Southwest Community Center
SANTA ANA Less than a week after a fire destroyed the Annie Mae Tripp Southwest Community Center, volunteers pulled together and held a holiday party for more than 3,000 people.
Though the center has been hosting holiday parties to help low-income and homeless families for 30 years, this year was a little different.
Much of the center, including donated toys and food, had been consumed by the blaze. So, Forest Street was shut down at Third Street and the party was held next to the center, at 1601 W. Second St. And community members joined together to bring in new donations of toys and food. A metal fence around the blackened building didn't stop volunteers using the space to sort nonperishable food donations.
"It'll take a while to get back on our feet like before," said Connie Jones, executive director and granddaughter of founder Annie Mae Tripp, who started the center in 1971. "We're still here. We're going to continue to do business."
More than 3,000 people came to the party, and each child received a toy, treat, blanket and coat, board member Diana Corbo said. About 300 people donated their time Saturday to put on the party and make sure all the children received a gift.
The line stretched around the block as children waited to see Santa Claus and receive a gift.
Families started arriving at 9 a.m., said volunteer Cathy Bennett, of St. Mary's and All Angels School in Aliso Viejo.
"It was amazing seeing the community pull together," she said. "It's neat when everyone does a little how much can happen."
Bennett joined volunteers from St. Mary's, Girl Scout Troop 1832 of Lake Forest and Girl Scouts from the Portola School in Mission Viejo in escorting children to meet Santa Claus. Neal and Myrna Kelsey came from Huntington Beach to volunteer. And 29 volunteers from RaiderNation, a Los Angeles car club, put their vehicles on display as they helped the center.
"I hope people learn there's still a lot of giving in Orange County," said Tyrone Tripp, board member and son of Annie Mae Tripp. "There are still a lot of needy people and our community is responding."
Santa Ana resident Maria Maldonado waited with her three children for the toys and treats. During Christmas, she didn't have the money to buy presents for her children, she said.
Nine-year-old Jesus Parra said, "It's awesome because the people are nice and there are presents."
"It's wonderful. It's a lot of help for people like us who need it," said Myrna Ramirez, of Santa Ana, who has been visiting the center for four years. After her husband died, Ramirez said she had trouble managing housing, clothing and food for her family, and that the center was able to help.
Among toy and food donors were the United Way, Share Our Selves, UPS, Target Orange County stores and Playmates. A legal firm dropped off suits and men's clothing, and individuals donated cash and bulk items they'd purchased, said Sherri Dukes, senior campaign relations manager for the United Way.
The center on Saturday morning gave holiday baskets containing food and gifts to residents in its Adopt-a-Family and Adopt-a-Senior programs.
"The center helps people get back on their feet," said Fountain Valley Councilman John Collins, who is president and chairman of the board. "You can't make it on minimum wage if one parent is working. It's different than just feeding people. We help people."
The Annie Mae Tripp Southwest Community Center, which gives out 100,000 hot meals a year, will continue serving during normal hours. The center also distributes food bags, clothing, bus passes, and rental and utility assistance.
"We're going to always be a haven for folks who are in need," board member Jessie Allen said.
