The Unity Shoppe of Santa Barbara celebrates 90 years of service to low income families, children, elderly and disabled in our community by flying their beautiful green and yellow flags along State Street from November 21 – December 8, 2008.
The flags feature the organization's logo, three children looking up at a shining yellow star depicting hope for all children. As these children wish upon the star, they express their dreams of a life free of poverty, enough food to eat and a future filled with hope.
The Unity Shoppe began its work in the Neighborhood House along with the Associated Charities and the Visiting Nurses under the name of the Santa Barbara Council of Christmas Cheer in 1917. Dr. Pearl Chase and Dr. Hazel Severy wanted to make sure that every family would have food, clothing and toys and that all seniors living alone would be remembered. The goal was to coordinate community giving so duplication could be avoided and more families could be served.
Two hundred and sixty agencies, social service organizations, churches, schools and hospitals now refer over 14,800 clients to the Unity Shoppe year-round. Families, children and the elderly can depend on a community distribution facility for needed food, clothing, and necessities year-round. Fifteen hundred local volunteers help the small staff of 12 operate the single largest direct distribution of food and clothing in the County of Santa Barbara. Volunteers learn merchandising, good work ethics, respect for others, office and computer skills. Sixty-nine percent of the low-income families served remain in the workplace. Families can supplement limited incomes with food and clothing, avoiding homelessness and welfare dependency.
For more information visit www.unityshoppe.org, or call 805-965-4122.
