On the day before Christmas Eve, a call came in that required immediate action—and our team answered without hesitation.
When Linda Norgard, our Facilities Manager, was asked to transport donated toys from our Main Campus to the South Sacramento Family Resource Center (FRC), where a toy giveaway event was already underway, she eagerly stepped in to help. The need was urgent: The FRC had a long line of families down the street, all hoping to receive holiday gifts for their children.
As Linda arrived at the donation center, it quickly became clear that more help was needed. The donation room was full of toys, and only four volunteers were on site to manage the workload. One phone call later, support was on the way. Members of our finance team dropped everything and rushed in to help load vehicles with toys, making sure every gift would reach a child in time for Christmas.
With the vehicles packed, the team headed to the FRC. As they rounded the corner, the sight was unforgettable—a line of families smiling, pointing, and cheering as a truck and van full of toys arrived. The joy on the faces of parents and children alike made every extra effort worth it.
At the FRC, CEO David Baker, Senior Program Manager Jason Smith, and many dedicated staff members were ready to help unload and organize the donations, ensuring the toy giveaway event continued smoothly and that no family went without.
Moments like these highlight what makes our agency so special. When help is needed, staff from across the agency step up—no matter their role—to support the community we serve. Even as staff were preparing to leave for their own holiday celebrations, they stepped in to support our community.
This holiday season, teamwork made all the difference. Because of the dedication and compassion of our staff, support arrived at a critical moment—bringing joy, hope, and holiday cheer to families when it mattered most.