For the 24th year in a row, The Toll Roads employees have helped Santa fulfill holiday wish lists for families at the Thomas House Family Shelter in Orange County, Calif. This year, despite the pandemic and “Safer At Home” orders, The Toll Roads staff fulfilled all 73 wish lists on their own time and with their own funds.
Thomas House Family Shelter is a transitional family housing shelter that provides a safe, supportive environment and the necessary resources for homeless families with children to remain together, while empowering them to become independent and self-sufficient.
During the holiday season, each family member living at the shelter fills out a “wish list” with items they need and hope to receive. The Toll Roads receive those lists and staff voluntarily participate by selecting a person (or people) to shop for. This year, for the first time, the Santa’s Helpers Program was coordinated entirely digitally.
“Every year my family and I look forward to fulfilling wish lists for families at the shelter,” said Melissa. “It’s been a really tough year for a lot of people and being able to bring some holiday magic to them is priceless.”
“Supporting the residents at Thomas House is one of my family’s traditions,” said Lori. “I love seeing my sons shop carefully for Thomas House residents who are around their same age and have similar interests.”
The wrapped gifts were delivered to Thomas House by Santa (The Toll Roads Immediate Past Vice Chair and Tustin Mayor Chuck Puckett) and The Toll Roads Head Elf Stephanie on December 17.
“My husband and I helped Santa deliver the gifts to Thomas House and the director was so appreciative,” said Stephanie. “The Thomas House Team is always amazed and thankful for how much we do for their families every year.”
To learn more about how you can support the Thomas House Family Shelter, visit thomashouseshelter.org.
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