Meet the KidWorks Alum: Haide Gutierrez
August 19, 2026(Editor’s note: This is the first in a new series called “Meet the KidWorks Alum,” where you have a chance to learn more about the many successful students who graduated… Continue Reading
Author: KidWorks Marketing
March 2024 ‘Volunteer of the Month’: Cristian Vega
Like many students enrolled in KidWorks’ programs, Cristian Vega knew he wanted to say “thanks” by serving here as a volunteer.
Cristian attended our programs from eighth grade through graduation from Mater Dei High School in Santa Ana. He joined KidWorks at the same time as his younger brother, Enrique.
Our March 2024 “Volunteer of the Month” is a senior at Orange Coast College; he’s about to earn his associate of arts degree in speech language pathology.
Cristian became a KidWorks volunteer in 2018 and continues to volunteer as he makes plans to attend a four-year college or university. So far, he’s logged over 150 volunteer hours.
“Cristian is a dedicated alumni who has remained committed to KidWorks and our students,” says Rachel Cervantes, Volunteer Coordinator.
“Cristian could easily get wrapped up in the busyness of college, work and family commitments, yet he chose to return to KidWorks and volunteer,” Rachel adds. “Cristian always shows up in a big way. He’s such a dependable person.”
“Cristian is an alumnus I can reach out to when we need volunteers, knowing that he will say yes,” says Brenda Trujillo Sanchez, our Senior College & Career Manager.
She adds, “Most recently, Cristian supported our annual Youth Lock-In, a once-a-year event for students in grades six through 12. It’s a night of fun, food, faith and fellowship.”
Cristian has also volunteered at our Festival of Chefs fundraising event, pickleball tournament, Noche de las Estrellas graduation celebration, after-school programs, set up/clean-up for events and at Campus Crash, where students visit college and university campuses to plant the seed of higher education after high school graduation.
Cristian has fond memories of his years as a KidWorks student.
“I was involved in pretty much everything KidWorks offered,” he says. “That included after school tutoring, summer and spring programs, youth groups and college preparation.”
In addition to Campus Crash, our College & Career preparedness programs at KidWorks include the College & Career Success Initiative™ (C&CSI). The initiative prepares first generation college students for higher education beyond high school. College preparedness also includes our College Apps Academy, our 25-week program for high school seniors that provides guidance through the college application process, including support with college and financial aid applications, scholarships, admissions essays and tips on how to have a successful transition into college.
After they start their higher education, our engagement continues with our college counselor, care packages for our college students and more.
KidWorks guided Cristian to apply and earn a scholarship to Mater Dei. After graduation, our college preparedness team assisted in his application and acceptance at Orange Coast College.
He is also one of our gap scholarship recipients. A gap scholarship provides financial assistance to students who for a variety of reasons and situations take a year or more after high school graduation before starting at a college or university.
KidWorks has also supported Cristian’s dream of becoming a licensed speech therapist.
We introduced him to Cindy Rodriguez, owner of Esperanza Speech Therapy. Cristian shadowed her for a class assignment. This January, we connected Cristian with Collaborative Therapies where he now works as a behavior interventionist, someone who guides clients to positive behaviors and actions.
Our March “Volunteer of the Month” wanted us to pass on his thanks to past KidWorks team members who worked with him over the years, along with current team members, including Lazaro Espinosa Bahena, Facilities Manager; Rachel Cervantes, Volunteer Coordinator; Jessica Ellis, Senior Site Supervisor, Dan Donahue Center; Vanessa Hernandez, Volunteer Manager and Brenda Trujillo Sanchez, Senior College & Career Manager.
In his spare time, Cristian enjoys working out at the gym, visiting the beach and attending Angels games with his brother, Enrique.
We are inspired by Cristian as he pursues a four-year degree and eventually begins a career in speech language pathology.
This is a young man who early in his youth demonstrated a heart to serve others. We see Cristian bettering the lives of others for decades to come.
By Glenn Leibowitz, volunteer writer
We invite high school and college/university students to learn more about how KidWorks can provide you with opportunities to earn service hours, intern and volunteer.
Concordia University’s leadership conference inspires
The path to college is ever-changing and can be challenging to navigate. Many KidWorks parents are helping their children prepare for college but may not have attended college themselves.
Thanks to our partnership with KidWorks board member Erika Sanchez and the support of Concordia University, we were able to send a group of KidWorks parents and students to attend their seventh annual Hispanic Leadership Conference, a forum focused on preparing 1st generation Latino students for higher education.
Concordia describes the no-cost event as “inspiring community college and high school students to pursue academic goals for a bright future. The purpose of this event is to help attendees navigate the path to college. The conference offers a toolkit of educational resources about college majors, financial aid, as well as inspiring first-generation speakers, industry professionals and a keynote.”
The conference included breakout sessions and an information fair. The university also provided, free transportation to and from the event for our parents and students.
Overall, 245 students and 30 parents attended from throughout Southern California. The conference was open to all high school and community college students, along with parents.
The event aligns perfect with our own College & Career Success Initiative™ (C&CSI). The initiative prepares first generation college students for higher education beyond high school.
KidWorks thanks the staff and leadership at Concordia for producing such an impactful conference. We also express our gratitude to Erika Sanchez, Project Director of Hispanic Serving Institutions at the university. She is a KidWorks alumnus and former team member.
One of the event panelists was David Benavides, KidWorks’ Chief Executive Officer. He spoke about his own journey and the important role education played in his life and career.
The event also featured a discussion that included four KidWorks parents as panelists. They shared their experiences as parents of college students/graduates. Attendees said their comments provided meaningful insight, encouragement and guidance.
Both our parents and students expressed how valuable they found the event to be.
Gloria Servin, parent: “It was helpful having a conference geared towards preparing 1st generation Latino students for college. The workshops left us thinking about our children’s future and well-being. Yasmin is my oldest daughter and I want her to attend college someday. These types of opportunities have really helped me believe that college is part of my children’s future. I thank everybody who made this conference possible.”
Liliana Flores: parent: “I’m very glad I had the opportunity to attend the conference because I learned about ways I can support my children as they get ready to go off to college or a university. These types of talks and opportunities make going to college more attainable and reachable for our children. Thank you very much for these types of events and opportunities.”
KidWorks 10th grader Santiago gave the event high marks: “Attending the Concordia conference helped me see that Latinos can change the world.”
We are confident that many successful higher education careers will be launched thanks to Concordia University’s Hispanic Leadership Conference. KidWorks congratulate them on such a successful and meaningful event.
By Glenn Leibowitz, volunteer writer
Erika Sanchez joins KidWorks’ board
Erika Sanchez, one of KidWorks’ most accomplished alumni, was recently elected to serve on our Board of Directors.
Erika was enrolled in KidWorks as a student from second grade until she graduated from Mater Dei High School in Santa Ana.
In 2015, Erika earned her Master of Arts in Transformational Urban Leadership degree from Azusa Pacific University.
She also served on our staff for three years, with her final role being College & Career Manager. In that role, Erika created the College & Career Success initiative, which is a keystone program of the organization today.
Erika is now Project Director of Hispanic Serving Institutions at Concordia University in Irvine, California. Prior to that she was Director of Hispanic Services at Biola University.
Erika also served in long-term missions in the Philippines where she worked at a non-profit to create scholarship opportunities for first generation college students.
She has 10 years of experience in higher education access, scholarship development and first-generation support services. She is fluent in English, Spanish and Tagalog.
“Erika is a very strong addition to our board,” says David Benavides, KidWorks’ Chief Executive Officer. “Our board is comprised of a wide spectrum of talented individuals from various industries and walks of life. Our newest board member brings with her both the perspective of a former student and staff member.”
“I’m excited to contribute my insight and expertise as a community leader,” Erika says. “My experience as an alumnus and as a previous staff member will inform the decisions I make serving in this important leadership position. I continue to champion KidWorks’ students and families.”
Erika says she is excited by a board member’s duties, which include fiduciary responsibility, oversight of the organization’s budget and key decisions about the future.
Our newest board member says her leadership role at Concordia University is a perfect fit with her service on our board.
“At Concordia University, I oversee the institution’s first and largest federal $9 million grant, which funds the implementation of effective programming to support Hispanic student enrollment in higher education, retention and graduation.”
She adds, “Through my expertise in program development and expansive experience working with Hispanic first-generation students, I have been able to build a team of faculty, staff, students and partners to do this work in the Santa Ana community.
“On the board, my goal is to provide a wide scope of knowledge and a bird’s eye view of the ever-changing landscape within higher education and its impact on KidWorks’ students. I hope to be a valuable partner with KidWorks, a vital Hispanic-serving non-profit.
“My expertise is in program development. I think of myself more closely to an engineer, creating and building something new. I enjoy building a team that is high in trust that is brave enough to be creative and willing to troubleshoot.”
She adds, “In my off hours I have fun with my dog, a two-year-old husky. I also enjoy gardening and hosting dinner parties/gatherings. It’s always a special treat to spend time with my nieces and nephews.”
We are grateful for the journey we’ve shared with Erika for so many years. We are thankful that this KidWorks’ star is now helping us chart the course for an even more impactful KidWorks future.
By Glenn Leibowitz, volunteer writer
Meet Who’s New at KidWorks
Editor’s note: In this occasional feature, we are proud to introduce you to our newest team members. Each one looks forward to working with our wonderful partners and supporters, along with those we serve.
Ariana Ceja, Administrative Services Assistant
“I’m excited to be a part of KidWorks, an organization with such a great mission.
“I love being able to work doing what I love and knowing that all my effort goes to support such an amazing purpose, which is the children and youth of our community!
“I started at KidWorks last August. Before that, I worked at a tax service. It was a very challenging position; I learned to work with all types of personalities and clients.
“In my spare time, I love doing crafts, decorating and cooking, where I try out new recipes.”
Jason Cruz, Program Assistant
“My focus is to be there for all the students and work hard to give them all the support they need and deserve.
“What’s excited me most since joining KidWorks last August is to see the positive impacts I’ve made as I see my students learn and grow.
“I’m also discovering new ways my own abilities fit in with this amazing organization.
“Before joining KidWorks, I worked at a hospice for several years. My last title there was assistant administrator. I wore many hats, including human resources, operations, information technology, security, emergency management and community liaison.
“In my spare time, I enjoy trying new foods and also creating recipes at home.
“I also volunteer at another local non-profit called Bracken’s Kitchen, a KidWorks partner.”
Haide Gutierrez, Site Supervisor—Townsend Street Center
“I was enrolled in KidWorks’ programs since kindergarten—and was excited to return about a year ago as a Program Assistant. In this role I helped implement curriculum for kindergarten through 12th grades.
“I’m now transitioning to Site Supervisor at KidWorks’ Townsend Street Center. That’s the same center I attended as a student!” (Editor’s note: Haide is taking on this role from Karina Flores, who has been promoted to Associate Site Supervisor, Dan Donahue Center.)
“In my new role, I’ll focus on our kindergarten through eighth grade students. Plus, I’ll be working very closely with parents, continuing to develop and nurture the tight-knit community already there.
“I look forward to creating new relationships with my students and being a support system for all the parents. I’m so grateful for the opportunity to continue to serve my community.
“Before joining KidWorks, I was employed at the Student Success Initiatives (SSI) Office at the University of California, Irvine. I was a Gateway Scholars Peer Educator, providing low-income first-generation students with the tools that they needed to succeed at the university. I helped students choose their classes and managed SSI’s social media, plus other duties.
“In my spare time, I’m an avid reader. My 2024 goal is to read 100 books and have completed 10 so far.”
Abigail Moore, Donor Relations & Outreach Manager
“My first experience with KidWorks was as a classroom volunteer almost 10 years ago. I’ve followed the great work the organization has done for years and am so delighted to be onboard in a staff capacity, beginning last November.
“I’m also excited to work at a community development organization that prioritizes the neighborhoods they serve through asset-based community development.
“I’m part of the KidWorks’ philanthropy team, primarily focused on corporate fundraising and making inroads with new partners.
“I recently been working on my dissertation for my master’s degree. I’ll graduate from the University of Edinburgh this December with a Master of Science degree in Social Justice and Community Action.
“My dissertation topic focuses on Indigenous rights to self-determination and the use of literary activism as non-violent direct action in the land back movement at Bears Ears (now a National Monument) in southern Utah.
“Earlier, I was on the philanthropy team at Biola University.
“I spend my leisure time caring for plants and I’m also a huge reader.”
Nestor Morones, Program Assistant
“My first introduction to KidWorks was as a student enrolled in KidWorks programs (from second grade to high school graduation). Up until February, I was an intern at KidWorks through a program sponsored by the City of Santa Ana. Then, I joined the KidWorks team as an official staff member.
“I’m especially excited about the positive change and impact I can bring to the team.
“I try my hardest to do the best job possible, believing that productivity increases when you have passion about what you do and that fantastic things come when those around you see that.
“Each day, I bring my personality and positive energy to the KidWorks’ team.
“As a Program Assistant, I’m focused on helping students with their homework during after school programs and also managing the classroom environment.
“As an intern and now as a staff member I returned to a place that played such a big role in my development.
“I’ve always been an introvert, so KidWorks gives me a chance to get out of my comfort zone and improve my conversational skills. So, please don’t be shy about coming up to me and starting a discussion.
“In my free time I play musical instruments. I also write and compose original songs on my keyboard, guitar, bass and ukulele.
“I love watching Gordon Ramsay’s cooking shows; they inspire me to want to become better at cooking and cleaning.
“Currently, I’m taking college classes on three-dimensional modeling, animation and video game development.”
Patricia Nava, Family & Community Program Assistant
“I’m excited to be able to work closely with the families here at KidWorks as well as within the community.
“Something I really love about KidWorks is how they provide an extensive number of resources for the parents, community and students. KidWorks is an all-inclusive welcoming space.
“I started at KidWorks last September and my role is focused on helping and working closely with the families.
“Before joining KidWorks, I worked in a small workers’ compensation law firm as the receptionist. My day-to-day duties included answering phones, scheduling appointments and helping attorneys with any task that needed done.
“In my free time I enjoy hiking and being outdoors.”
David Saucedo, Youth Associate
“l began my new role as Youth Associate, prior to that having been a Program Assistant at KidWorks. In my prior assignment I worked with our first and seventh grade students.
“I first joined the organization in December 2022.
“Being a person of faith, I pray that God continues to motivate me and keep me accountable in doing my job in a proper manner to the best of my ability. I pray that God continues to use me to make a positive impact on our students.
“As a Youth Associate, I’m involved in planning special events, such as Youth Nights, Lock-In, and Elevate, a program that focuses on urban youth.
“What really motivates me in my new role is to make a positive impact on our youth and continue to build relationships with each of them.
“I also want to build memories of KidWorks that they’ll take with them as they get older.
“Outside of KidWorks, I volunteer as a youth softball coach and play men’s fastpitch.”
2nd Annual Easter Eggstravaganza Coming Soon!
Are you ready to hop into spring and the Easter season? Join us for a day of egg-citement with our 2nd annual KidWorks Easter Eggstravaganza!
Students, keep your eyes peeled at the event during our egg hunt! Once you’ve found all the Easter bunny’s gifts, unleash your creativity with crafts and games.
Want to get involved in the springtime spirit and Easter cheer? There are three easy ways for you to make this event one to remember!
- Purchase supplies from our Amazon wishlist!
- Donate to KidWorks!
Send a Venmo payment to @susan-graham-20 OR mail a check payable to Susan Graham with “KidWorks Easter Event” on the memo line.
- Hop into Action and Volunteer
Volunteers are needed for this event on March 14th, from 2-5pm. Click HERE to get involved.
A big thank you to our KidWorks Women leadership who are planning this event!
Auxiliary Chair
Kyle Team
Social Team
Kim Carpenter
Debbie Trammell
Sue Willett
Kathy Ursini
Amanda Zimmerman
Spiritual Team
Betsy Flint
Kristen McGuiness
Community Advisor
Vicki Booth
Staff Advisor
Lisa Gels
Service Team
Stephanie Peleuses
Anne Yardley
Young Professional Team
Melissa Marshall
Student Spotlight: Jesse Torres
Jesse Torres may be one of KidWorks busiest high school seniors. In addition to honors classes, he plays varsity lacrosse, serves on his school’s color guard, and is active in KidWorks leadership.
“Jesse maintains the most positive attitude despite being extremely busy and at times exhausted. He’s always fully engaged.” says Clarisa Vargas, our College & Career Readiness Coordinator.
KidWorks has always been a part of Jesse’s world. In addition to music programs, Jesse has been involved in after-school programs and youth leadership teams where he has volunteered in the classroom, attended summer camp and advocated for the building of skate parks in Santa Ana.
“Many of my KidWorks’ experiences—such as playing the flute in front of a crowd during a concert and presenting to elected officials—helped me gain confidence in public speaking and being a leader,” Jesse says.
“I’ve seen Jesse grow into a very caring and confident young man; he is a natural-born leader,” says Maria Ruvalcaba, our Youth Leadership Development Coordinator.
She adds, “His faith and self-confidence have grown over the years. He’s always looking out for others and is not afraid to speak and voice his concerns. He embodies a humble leadership style that is very admirable for someone his age.”
Now that college is on the horizon, Maria, Clarisa, and other KidWorks staff have worked alongside Jesse to help him complete college applications, apply for scholarships, and prepare for college life.
Jesse plans to major in computer science and has already received several acceptances including Cal Poly and Vanguard University.
He credits KidWorks with giving him the confidence—and the motivation—to pursue higher education.
“In my elementary and middle school years, I thought college was out of reach because it would be too expensive and also that I didn’t have what it takes,” Jesse says.
All that changed when Jesse attended Campus Crash, visiting UCLA, USC, UC Irvine and others.
“KidWorks opened my eyes that if I tried hard enough, I’d have what it takes to attend college,” Jesse says.
“Math was one subject that was not my strong suit during my elementary school years,” Jesse recalls.
KidWorks’ tutors helped him gain confidence and proficiency in math, so much so that he’s been enrolled in honors math classes in the areas of algebra and pre-calculus since his sophomore year in high school.
Another big influence is Lance Lew, 26, an incoming medical student and future doctor, who is part of KidWorks’ mentor program. Like other KidWorks’ mentors, Lance meets with Jesse at least once a month. But they connect whenever Jesse needs advice.
“The world needs more people like Jesse, who are positive, passionate and kind to the core,” Lance says. “When I sit down with Jesse, I’m immediately in a brighter mood. His strong sense of self and ability to enliven others is inspiring.”
When you support students like Jesse you are making a significant impact on future generations who will be tomorrow’s respected leaders.
By Glenn Leibowitz, volunteer writer
February 2024 ‘Volunteer of the Month’: Ed Duong
Second graders in KidWorks’ after-school programs know that Ed Duong—our February 2024 “Volunteer of the Month”—is the go-to guy when it comes to anything from helping with a tricky math homework problem to microwaving their chicken nuggets snacks to just the right temperature.
Ed volunteers an impressive 16 hours each week (Monday through Thursday), working with second and eighth graders, along with assisting at our events and community outreach. He also helps with high school students when needed.
“Ed has excellent charisma with the students,” says Rosie Estrada, Program Assistant. “He’s like a best friend to them. He’s very open-minded and always finds solutions when students need additional support with certain subjects. Ed makes it a priority to help everyone in the best way possible.”
Ed has donated over 200 hours of his time since he first started volunteering in January 2020, with a hiatus when the pandemic put in-person programs on hold.
He discovered KidWorks through an online search, having previously volunteered at soup kitchens and with food drives, but was looking for a different experience.
“I wanted to work with youth from under-served neighborhoods in a way that would be impactful,” Ed says.
“Establishing good habits while someone is still young and highlighting their potential helps encourage them to continue striving for success.”
Ed graduated from UCLA in 2023 with a Bachelor of Science degree in molecular, cellular, and development biology with a minor in biomedical research.
He plans to attend medical school and is keeping an open mind about an area of specialization, such as becoming an ophthalmologist or a physical medicine and rehabilitation physician.
“Ed is a standout volunteer,” says Vanessa Hernandez, our Volunteer Manager. “He brings such positivity to our after-school programs, along with joy and laughter to events as Fun Fridays, Youth Feast and Youth Lock-in.”
Vanessa adds, “His warm-heartedness and eagerness to support wherever required are truly uplifting. Ed’s remarkable dedication reflects his genuine care for every student. We’re truly fortunate to have such an exceptional volunteer on our team!”
Rachel Cervantes, our Volunteer Coordinator, says Ed “has been an incredibly consistent and dependable volunteer who always goes above and beyond to make sure the students and staff have the support they need.”
Our February “Volunteer of the Month” is very intentional and thoughtful about every aspect of volunteering, including how to approach homework help to maximize learning potential.
“I prefer to help the students solve the work themselves as opposed to outright telling them the answers,” Ed says. “For example, I accomplish this by alternating between reading a problem and having them read it. I also double check their work, point out their mistakes, and ask them how they can fix them.”
Ed adds, “I encourage the use of tools such as the abacus or finger counting for math. For the older students, I help them by showing them how to do or set up a problem and then having them do a problem. If they need more help, I always ask them what the next step should be.
“For grammar, I have them read the sentence or take turns reading sentences if it is too much for them. I try to have them do most of the work with me guiding them if they don’t initially grasp a concept.”
Ed employs this approach with a view of the long-term benefits it yields.
“I hope the students learn good habits and foundations at KidWorks to work towards a brighter future,” he says. “I hope that KidWorks continues to be a community and mission-driven organization that helps youth grow and have a sense of belonging and allows parents to be involved with the development of their sons and daughters.”
As Ed takes the next steps in pursuing a medical career, we can attest firsthand to his deep care and compassion for others. We are honored that he has chosen KidWorks as a place to share himself.
By Glenn Leibowitz, volunteer writer
We invite high school and college/university students to learn more about how KidWorks can provide you with opportunities to earn service hours, intern and volunteer.
Foundation for Success luncheon inspires
For the 17th time since 2006, hundreds of KidWorks supporters gathered in November at our Foundation for Success luncheon.
Thanks to the generosity of event sponsors and attendees, over $500,000 was raised for KidWorks after-school programs that serve nearly 1,100 students in grades preschool through high school.
These students are on their way to earning college/university degrees as they excel academically, develop their leadership skills, grow spiritually, embrace healthy lifestyles and explore their artistic talents.
The annual event took place on Nov. 9 at the DoubleTree Santa Ana. We were delighted to see an increase in attendance by young professionals and encourage these individuals to consider getting involved with KidWorks and to invite their organizations to do so as well.
“As we operate three centers in Santa Ana that serve a growing number of students and their families, we are grateful that every dollar raised at the Foundation for Success luncheon is already hard at work supporting our vision, ‘We unleash youth potential,’” says David Benavides, KidWorks’ Chief Executive Officer and Board Member.
This year’s honorees and recipients of the Dan Donahue Leadership award are Camille and Tim Strader, Jr.
“The list of Camille and Tim’s contributions to KidWorks over the years are too many to calculate,” says David Benavides. “They’ve been generous with time, talent and donations, along with trusted leadership counsel.”
Adds David, “This very special, once-a-year award recognizes KidWorks’ most fervent supporters who share our passion and commitment to provide educational opportunities and life-changing experiences for students growing up in some of Orange County’s most overlooked neighborhoods.”
The Dan Donahue Leadership award was created to honor the memory of the man whose vision led to the funding and building of our main Dan Donahue Center, which opened in 2005.
In it, Tim says how he resonates with the KidWorks desire to walk alongside our students from “from pre-K to B.A.”
“To me, that’s very, very important,” Tim says. “We’re taking kids from pre-K with our licensed preschool here at the facility all the way through college.”
“Both of us were raised by parents who have very generous hearts and who have always given back to the community,” Camille says. She adds that it’s “a way for us to continue that legacy of giving back.”
Luncheon attendees also viewed a video featuring Erika Sanchez, an alumnus of KidWorks programs who is now Director of the Hispanic Serving Institute at Concordia University in Irvine, California.
In it, she says that growing up as a young person in Santa Ana in the 1990s offered joy but also presented many challenges.
“There was a lot of violence going on, a lot of gang issues and things kids shouldn’t be seeing,” Erika says. “At KidWorks, I found a safe haven for me and my family. It was a place to grow and start dreaming big about my life.” She says we helped equip her “with the ability to do big things.”
The keynote speaker at the Foundation for Success luncheon was Grant Lottering, a cyclist who defied death and achieved extraordinary feats. He’s continuously astounding both the medical profession and audiences by going beyond the limits of what is thought to be possible. In addition to his extreme-endurance cycling, Grant is an author, UHSM (Unite Health Share Ministries™ ambassador athlete and international speaker.
We are deeply grateful to our generous event sponsors: Presenting, Diamond, Platinum, Gold, Silver and Bronze.
As KidWorks celebrates our 30th anniversary, we give thanks to everyone who attended and supported the Foundation for Success luncheon and all who have walked with our students and their families as we enter our fourth decade.
By Glenn Leibowitz, volunteer writer
Christmas toy drive now underway!
Do you treasure the joy of Christmas as much as we do at KidWorks? You can fill your holidays with even more love by being part of our once-a-year holiday toy drive.
For 21 years KidWorks supporters have made Christmas extra special for the parents of children and youth enrolled in our programs. These parents are often unable to afford gifts for their sons and daughters.
That’s especially true during these economically challenging times; being able to purchase Christmas gifts is often not financially possible for the families we serve. Their limited funds go to rent, gas and groceries.
Our goal for this year’s Christmas Store: A gift for every student.
There are many ways you can brighten the holidays for our students:
- Donate new/unused and unwrapped toys, games, sports and outdoor recreational items delivered to KidWorks, 1902 W. Chestnut Ave., Santa Ana by Dec. 14.
- Gift cards in the $30 range are much requested by parents of youth in sixth through 12th grades. Especially popular are gift cards for Walmart, Starbucks, Target, Amazon, movie theaters and fast-food restaurants.
- New wrapping paper, bows and decorations are also needed, and can be dropped off at KidWorks.
- Host a toy drive for the Christmas store. Churches, companies, service organizations and families are invited to do so.
- Shop/donate on Amazon for our Christmas Toy Drive 2023.
- Make a financial gift to KidWorks towards the purchase of gifts.
- Help with store set up on Dec. 18. To sign up, please email: rachel.cervantes@kidworksoc.org
“An added request this year is for toys that are appropriate for parents of children with special needs in pre-K through 12th grade and those enrolled in Individualized Education Programs,” says Vanessa Hernandez, our Volunteer Manager. “Such items include toys that stimulate the senses. These are very helpful for students with autism, for instance.”
Here’s how the Christmas gift program works for the parents of our students: Moms and dads purchase gifts for their sons and daughters at a discounted rate at the KidWorks Christmas Store on Dec. 19. KidWorks then deposits these proceeds into our benevolence fund, which provides financial and other support to families when they are in serious need or experience a crisis.
What makes the KidWorks Christmas Store so special for these parents is that it offers them a sense of being able to provide for their families. By purchasing the gifts at nominal cost instead of receiving them for free they feel respected and empowered.
“As KidWorks celebrates our 30th anniversary, we are incorporating creative ways for the store to reflect our gratitude to God for allowing us to serve others for three decades,” says Sonia Rios-Guzman, our Family and Community Engagement Manager.
She adds, “Parents shopping at our Christmas store will receive a small gift commemorating this milestone in our history.”
KidWorks will send each donor a thank you letter acknowledging the contribution for their tax records.
Interested in knowing more? Email: vanessa@kidworksoc.org, visit https://kidworksoc.org/christmas-store or contact the KidWorks at: 714-834-9400, extension 115. You can also view our Christmas store flyer.
“We are so grateful for the amount of support we receive each year for the Christmas store from our partners and donors,” Sonia says. “It fills our hearts and lights up our spirit to see so much generosity and love towards the families and community we serve.”
Your help will help continue a wonderful 21-year tradition of Christmas smiles.
Moms rock at Zumba classes
KidWorks rocks–literally. Each Saturday, up to 14 mothers of KidWorks students gather at our Dan Donahue Center for our recently re-launched Zumba classes.
It’s a mix of fitness, fun and friendship that supports our goal to serve parents as well as students enrolled in our programs.
The moms have been gathering each Saturday at 8 a.m. since September for an hourlong fitness workout led by volunteer Hortencia Plascencia, who has led Zumba classes for eight years.
“The idea to offer Zumba classes came directly from the moms when we surveyed parents this summer about the workshops and activities they’d like to see,” says Patty Nava, our Family and Community Engagement Program Assistant. “We immediately started working on their request.”
One of the surprising—and welcome—benefits of the classes is how they’ve gotten word out about KidWorks within the central Santa Ana community.
“Moms who may not have heard about KidWorks now know about the opportunities we offer their sons and daughters,” says Sonia Rios-Guzman, our Family and Community Engagement Manager.
The moms are thrilled that KidWorks offers Zumba.
“I started attending Zumba because I wanted to further improve my health,” says Veronica Catalan, whose 10thgrade daughter, Sophia, is enrolled in our programs. “I really enjoy Zumba and getting to meet other parents.”
Veronica adds, “It feels good to come on Saturdays and exercise. I feel good about myself. The ambiance is great and I can see moms that are happy and relieved from stress!”
“I like coming to Zumba because it’s relaxing, you get to build new friendships and the overall goal for all of us is to build a better, healthier lifestyle,” says Yadira Mora, mom to fifth grader, Amy, and ninth grader, Leslie, who are both enrolled in our programs.
Yadira adds, “I know change is not going to happen overnight but exercising and trying to make a change for the better good of my health is what keeps me going. Zumba gives me motivation and it makes me take things step by step.”
Each class is filled with music ranging from Selena Quintanilla’s cumbia songs (a Latin American genre) to Jennifer Lopez’s hip hop tunes.
“There are a lot of spatial movements as well as jumping and hand movements,” Patty says. “Many participants have brought their moms, neighbors, daughters and sisters. When the class ends, the moms help put the room back in place so it’s ready for the students.”
Zumba is representative of how KidWorks engages parents in programs specifically designed to support their needs. Other examples are ways to help their children academically, accessing resources offered by the city and county, plus opportunities to volunteer at KidWorks and in community improvement and safety projects, to name just a few.
Moms interested in signing up for Zumba classes or finding out more about Zumba can call Patty Nava, Family & Community Engagement Program Assistant at (714) 834-9400, ext. 127 or email her at patricia.nava@kidworksoc.org.
By Glenn Leibowitz, volunteer writer