Today the 12th Annual Snowball event benefitting at-risk children, took place. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent government shutdown orders, this year looks different than years past.
An event where at-risk children typically get to interact with law enforcement and first responders while they shop for much needed winter clothes, had to be restructured in order to follow the new guidelines and safety standards.
Volunteers from Big Brothers Big Sisters received wish lists from participating children, where they then shopped online in advance for the clothes, bagging and labeling for easy pick-up. Toys 4 Tots donated enough toys for all children to receive three toys. Families were then given a pick-up time to drive through the Sheriff’s Office parking lot where they stayed in their vehicles while law enforcement and first responders distributed their goodies. On their way out of the parking lot, the children even received a cheerful “Merry Christmas!” from Santa Claus himself!
Canceling this event was considered, but organizers Vern and Cyndee Pierson in conjunction with Big Brothers Big Sisters decided that this year was not the year to disappoint. Many families struggled more than ever in 2020 due to the side effects of the pandemic, making an event such as this one a necessity
for many.
Much thanks and appreciation to all our volunteers from CHP – Placerville, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Shingle Springs Tribal Police Department and Fire Department, Placerville Police Department, El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office,and Diamond Springs Fire Department for volunteering their time to assist nearly 157 at-risk children with their winter clothing needs.
This event was made possible thanks to the very generous support of the Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians, the Deputy Sheriffs’ Association of El Dorado County, and the El Dorado County Criminal Attorney’s Association.
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