January 21,2006

Simi Valley Acorn

Knights, Church Group Aid Needy in Simi

The goal of 1,100 toys for children was reached when the Knights of Columbus, Simi Valley Council 5803, in conjunction with Mother Teresa's Christian Services, conducted its fourth annual Christmas in September toy drive.

This was augmented by the nationwide Toys for Tots campaign sponsored by the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves, which donated hundreds of toys to the church drive. At a distribution party Dec. 17 at the St. Rose of Lima School Hall, food and holiday gift baskets were presented to the needy. The three-hour party included a visit from and photo with Santa. The event touched the lives of more than 300 Simi families and their children.

Christian Services assists the homeless and those in need, regardless of faith, throughout the year, and annually has helped underprivileged parishioners with holiday gift baskets of food and toys. Families received either a complete ham or turkey dinner and all the trimmings. The Knights of Columbus volunteers were assisted by Simi Valley Girl Scouts. Seven area troops were represented, staffing game booths, serving refreshments and leading activities from ornament building to face painting.

In addition to the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves, event organizers gave special commendations to Paul's Italian Villa, Enchanted Way Nursery, Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District, G.I. Rubbish, Liberty Cleaners, Ventura County Star, Paint Pals, Simi Transit, Simi Covenant Church and Country Cycle.

The St. Rose of Lima community outreach began in the early 1970s, when Simi Valley was experiencing a building boom. As new houses and businesses appeared, so, too, did the urban poor, whose income could not keep up with the growing economy. The parish responded by providing food and clothing where needed and throughout the years has expanded to include regular dinners for the poor and homeless, a bereavement program, services to the homebound, shelter, transportation, counseling and referrals. The community outreach program is supported by the parishioners of St. Rose of Lima, the Knights of Columbus and area merchants, as well as private donations.

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