The Cheers for Children campaign, which is entering its 67th year, is designed to help children and families of the Ventura Unified School District (VUSD). Cheers for Children began in 1952 when teachers and an administrator identified a student and his family in need of food over the holidays. Cheers for Children has grown to a community campaign to assist 350 families over the holidays and assist with additional needs, as they are identified throughout the year. The Ventura Unified School District is requesting the community’s help with this year’s campaign. There are three ways interested parties of all ages may participate; through donations of canned food or money, assisting with the sorting and boxing of holiday food boxes, and participating in the Cheers for Children Silent Auction.
All VUSD schools are currently collecting canned and dry goods for holiday food boxes. A list of items can be found at www.venturausd.org. These items can be delivered to any of our VUSD schools or the District offices located at 255 W. Stanley Ave. until December 19. The District is also accepting monetary donations, which will assist in the purchase of holiday hams and will go towards additional family needs throughout the year. Checks may be made payable to Cheers for Children and mailed to Ventura Unified School District, Education Service Center, c/o Dr. Roger Rice, Superintendent, 255 West Stanley Avenue, Suite 100, Ventura, CA, 93001. There is a tremendous amount of work that goes on “behind the scenes” to make this event a reality. The community is invited to help with sorting and boxing the food drive items for distribution. Bring your friends and family on Friday, December 20, from 2-5 pm to Balboa Middle School, located at 247 Hill Road in Ventura. Children are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult.
If silent auctions are more your speed, the District will be hosting its Annual Cheers for Children Silent Auction. This silent auction is open to the public and is being held at the Education Service Center at 255 W. Stanley Ave.
“It is our hope that through the Cheers for Children campaign we can bring joy, through a warm meal, to our students most in need. We hope you will consider assisting us as we embrace our VUSD families this holiday season,” stated Dr. Roger Rice, Superintendent.
For more information, contact the VUSD Superintendent’s office at 805-641-5000.
