Volunteers from West Coast University helped bring joy to needy families this summer in Anaheim at the annual Carnival for Kids.
At the carnival, WCU-Orange County students and associates manned a booth with art, games, and prizes. They also handed out cold water and assisted with the first aid tent.
Hosted by the Illumination Foundation, a non-profit organization with the mission to disrupt the cycle of homelessness, the carnival was held at St. Anthony Mary Claret Church in Anaheim.
Illumination Foundation CEO Dr. Pooja Bhalla addressed all the volunteers before the carnival began with a heartfelt message, WCU Regional Clinical Partnerships Director Mary Sanchez shared.
“She said, ‘I want you all to realize that this humble carnival, on the grounds of a Catholic church, will be for these families what a day at Disneyland is like for us. Make it the happiest place for them to be today’,” Sanchez said. “And as volunteers, we gave it our all and there was nothing but smiles and gratitude from the parents and children.”
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