Baldwin Park Unified students spent the early morning hours on Dec. 6 at Walmart, eagerly shopping for cold-weather clothes, shoes, and even a few toys, during the 25th Annual Santa Clothes Project.
De Anza Elementary School students arrived ready with matching light-up Christmas headbands, escaping the chilly weather and warming up inside to enjoy the festive energy from the volunteer shoppers.
The Santa Clothes Project is made possible through a partnership between the District, the City of Baldwin Park, the Baldwin Park Charitable Relief Organization, the Baldwin Park Police Department and other local organizations.
Every December, students in need are paired with volunteer chaperones, who assist in picking out new clothes and basic essentials. In addition to a new outfit and shoes, each student receives a toy at the end of the shopping trip.
“The Santa Clothes Project serves an important need in our community, and we are so grateful to our community partners for helping ensure it is a joyous time for BPUSD students,” Senior Director of Support Services and Santa Clothes Project Coordinator Noreen Iwai-Ito said.
This year, 404 students from Early Childhood Education to high school received $80 gift cards.
To kick off the shopping spree, Assistant Superintendent of Student Achievement Dr. Angela Salazar welcomed BPUSD students and their chaperones, as well as Board of Education vice president/clerk Diana E. Miranda-Dzib and member Santos Hernandez, Jr.
PHOTOS
12.07.22_BPUSD_Santa Clothes_1: Baldwin Park Unified Senior Director of Special Education Sarah Ammon is paired with two Baldwin Park Unified students for an early morning shopping spree on Dec. 6, as part of the 25th Annual Santa Clothes Project.
12.07.22_BPUSD_Santa Clothes_2: Baldwin Park Unified Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources Dr. Christine Heinrichs helps a Baldwin Park Unified elementary school student shop for a new jacket, outfit and shoes, as well as a Christmas toy, during the 25th Annual Santa Clothes Project.