SANYA YNEZ The board of directors of the Santa Ynez Valley Opportunity Shop presented a $10,000 donation this week to the eighth annual Santa Barbara County Veterans Stand Down.
Santa Barbara County 5th District Supervisor Steve Lavagnino. The local Stand Down is coordinated through his office.
“Stand Down is successful because of our committed volunteers and our generous donors,” said Santa Barbara County 5th District Supervisor Steve Lavagnino, whose office coordinates the Stand Down. “The Santa Ynez Valley Opportunity Shop really stepped up for our veterans and will undoubtedly make the lives of many veterans much better.”
In 2018, 530 veterans were helped during the one-day Stand Down, including 171 homeless veterans and 56 female veterans. Almost 650 volunteers aided during the event, and 121 services were offered, including clothing, haircuts, behavioral wellness counseling, legal aid, dental and medical screenings, housing assistance, employment aid, pet care, social services and more.
The Opportunity Shop started during World War II in Buellton as a “canteen” for soldiers. When it reincorporated in 2010, its mission statement was created to include help for veterans and other worthy causes, Founding President Karen Jones said.
For more information, see http://sbcountystanddown.com or Santa Barbara County Veterans Stand Down on Facebook.
