Oceanside CA— Marlene Samocha and Marilyn Rutherford are part of the advocates program with the Assistance League of North Coast. Advocates keep in close contact with the health clerks at all the elementary schools in Carlsbad, Oceanside and Vista to check on needs the students might have that the ALNC can help with.

Marlene and Marilyn work with two schools in Oceanside, one being Nichols Elementary. Genevieve Liserio, health clerk, told them that many children at the school would not be having much of a Christmas, especially this year with so many parents being out of work. The ladies got together with other members of the community of Pilgrim Creek Estates, where they live, and started a toy drive. One day was chosen when a number of cars drove throughout the community, playing Christmas Carols and collecting toys. The neighborhood donated over 400 toys and 160.00 in cash. Marlene and Marilyn delivered the toys to the school on Friday, December 11th.
Genevieve reported that 5 teachers, one retired teacher, the principal, and herself also contributed to the presents. Fifty families signed up to come “shopping” for their children. Two messages Genevieve shared from the first two families who came to pick out gifts for their children read: From a family of five “I appreciate everything. This holiday season of 2020 has been a very difficult year. I lost my job then found out I was pregnant and have been having to live on disability.” The second note said, ” I can’t even express the gratitude in words what this means. My year has put me in a place I never imagined. This gift is truly magical.”
To learn more about Assistance League of North Coast, visit https://alnc.org/