Optimist Clubs find not only unmet needs in their communities, but sometimes they identify the unseen needs as well. So it was for the Evening Optimist Club of Albuquerque, New Mexico when member Leland Yates explained to his Optimist Club that as a cross-country bus driver he saw many unhappy children who had to travel at Christmas-time.
In order to meet this need in their community, the Optimist Club created Santa's Workshop so that children in transit through their downtown bus and train station would receive a gift bag. According to Leland, families often hit the road, traveling across the country, without any toys or games for their kids.
The program has been successful because the train and bus stations help coordinate the space on Christmas Day and other organizations get involved with donations. According to the coordinating committee, this program is growing. They are planning at least 20 additional gift bags this year. Good news, the community is engaged and individuals make contributions to the cause as well.
The Optimist Club credits the news stations for helping them to get the word out to the community. Contributors often cite that they were moved to give by the news story.
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