January 18, 2023

Holidays in Review, 2022  CSA’s Holiday Sharing Program was celebratory this time around, featuring face painters and hot chocolate. “Families were thrilled to receive gift cards to make the holidays special for their kids and we were so pleased to host a fun event after the last few challenging years,” said Director of Client Programs Brandi Jothimani. “Lines were around the block for this popular program and our dedicated staff and volunteers made sure everyone was served.” Nearly 900 households, consisting of over 2,200 individuals, benefited from this program, made possible due to support from our generous donors. In addition to families with children, seniors and individuals also received gift cards for a brighter holiday season. Over $44,000 in Safeway and Target gift cards were distributed along with $34,000 in vouchers to local restaurants contributed through Mountain View Appetite for Good. Clients were grateful for the assistance at the end of what was for many a difficult year. Volunteer Coordinator Maria Ferreira says, “We had a record level of interest in volunteering during the holidays and we so appreciate everyone who helped out. We continue to seek volunteers year-round for the food pantry, senior nutrition program, and office tasks. Please reach out if volunteering is on your 2023 to-do list.” Contact mferreira@csacares.org for more information.

Welcome New Young Professionals Chair Kei Shao Tikkanen! CSA is thrilled to announce CSA Young Professionals’ new chair, Kei Shao Tikkanen! Kei was born and raised in Los Angeles, spent several years in New England, then moved to the Bay Area with her partner in 2021. She is currently working for a healthcare startup, Cityblock Health, as a strategy and operations manager. In her spare time, Kei experiments with all things athletic, with the newest activity being surfing. Passionate about community and service, Kei is enthusiastic about using this opportunity to contribute to CSA, whether through fundraising, volunteer events, or spreading the word about our services. “My goal is to develop and foster YP in a sustainable way in the next year, as the group is still maturing,” says Kei. “I’m excited that the members of YP are eager to make an impact, and I want to harness that energy to create as many opportunities to contribute as possible.” If you’re a young professional (or young at heart) who is interested in joining the group, please contact Kei at joincsayp@gmail.com.

Shop Local and Help CSA! During January 14-22, several local downtown merchants will donate a percentage of your purchases to CSA. Support local businesses and CSA! Participating merchants include: Dandies Barbershop, Doppio Zero, Asian Box, Ludwig’s, East West Bookshop, and Red Rock. Many thanks to the Mountain View Chamber of Commerce for coordinating this effort.

Community Services Agency 204 Stierlin Road, Mountain View, CA 94043 650.968.0836 csacares.org

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