SANTA BARBARA, CALIFORNIA (DECEMBER 22, 2017) – Seeking to help people in the local community it serves, American Riviera Bank is donating $5,000 to be shared equally by the Unity Shoppe and the Foodbank of Santa Barbara County to help victims of the Thomas Fire.
These donations will be matched by a grant from the Federal Home Loan Bank for a total gift of $10,000- $5,000 to each organization. The Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco is working with other financial institutions to support victims of wildfires and other natural disasters in California.
“Our hearts go out to the many people who lost homes or suffered other hardships because of the Thomas Fire. Our wish for this holiday season is that people can get back on their feet soon,” said Jeff DeVine, American Riviera Bank’s President and Chief Executive Officer.
The Foodbank of Santa Barbara County provides food assistance to families, children, adults and seniors. While local schools are closed due to the Thomas Fire, the Foodbank is providing healthy lunches for kids who are missing their school meal programs. The Foodbank says Santa Barbara-area children miss more than 28,000 meals each day the schools are closed.
The Unity Shoppe operates a year-round “free” grocery and clothing store that distributes over $2 million in merchandise annually to those in need. The Unity Shoppe is accepting new toys, food and funds to purchase needed items at wholesale prices so clients and fire victims can shop for their needs when they are ready. The Unity Shoppe anticipates that most people will be evaluating their needs after mid-January, once they learn what has been destroyed or damaged and if they need to rent or return to their homes. Anticipated needs will include blankets, sleeping bags, towels, bedding, pajamas, socks, sneakers, coats, sweaters, cookware, dishes, utensils and furniture.
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