EVENT: The Community Settlement Association of Riverside hosts a holiday event to aid those in need this holiday season.
By Kate Santoso, Staff Writer
As the most wonderful time of the year comes to an end, various organizations, clubs, families and friends have banded together to aid the community’s less fortunate. The holiday season was a time of happiness and hope, a time of not just receiving presents, but giving back as well.
The Community Settlement Association (CSA) is part of an extensive network of Community Settlement Houses across the United States. These organizations provide services and activities designed to reinforce and boost the strengths of individuals, families and communities. The CSA of Riverside focuses on family wellness, education civic engagement and cultural awareness, efforts that continue to strengthen the Eastside community in Riverside. Founded by the wife of Riverside’s school superintendent in 1911, the non-profit organization was first built to address concerns for the welfare of thousands of immigrants to Riverside. However, its current mission has evolved into helping established Eastside residents.
To promote holiday cheer and goodwill, this organization hosted a “Breakfast with Santa,” a toy giveaway and breakfast that took place on December 12 at the CSA. “The event is part of the broader mission of the CSA to improve the lives of neighborhood families and children,” executive board member and Poly teacher Thomas Podgorski said.
The event has been going on for several years with the aim of improving the lives of neighborhood families and children in Riverside. On December 10, 2015, from 9A.M to 11A.M, Santa distributed toys and breakfast was served to those in attendance. Podgorski encouraged the Poly community to take action, whether a small monetary donation or an event such as this. “Because the Poly community is diverse, CSA would like to involve more community members in our activities, fundraising events, and volunteer opportunities,” Podgorski noted.
“Breakfast with Santa” is just one of several ways the CSA has contributed to Riverside. As the years come and go, the CSA of Riverside will leave a legacy and continue their beloved traditions of goodwill.