By Sara Beth Williams–
For four years, CHASEN, which represents Citrus Heights neighborhood areas 7, 8 and 9, has come together to give Christmas gifts to local children and families in need.
This year, CHASEN president Bill Shirley said 18 children were provided gifts, including children of families from Woodside K-8, Sunrise Pointe, and local churches in the area.
Shirley said CHASEN, which is a registered nonprofit, partners with Woodside K-8 as well as multiple local businesses, churches, and local residents in order to gather donations for the Giving Tree project.
“We have business relationships that are more than generous,” Shirley said, adding that one business donated $500. Other businesses, like Leatherby’s Family Creamery, have donated gift cards and coupons, Half Price Books also donated boxes of books, which CHASEN gave to Woodside K-8’s library.
Every year, in an effort to raise money for the Giving Tree project, local resident John Barth makes popcorn and hands out thousands of bags of popcorn to those driving or walking down Orelle Creek Court looking at Christmas lights during the holiday season. Donations for bags of popcorn are always voluntary, and no fixed amount is required.
Once donations were gathered, CHASEN members and volunteers went shopping in early December and then spent last Monday wrapping gifts for kids. Gifts were delivered to Woodside K-8 on Tuesday, Dec. 17. Shirley said each child in a family is given about four gifts, including siblings who aren’t of school age.
Shirley said he plans to collaborate with other housing communities, such as local mobile home parks, and provide them with donations from local businesses that weren’t able to be used during the Giving Tree project.
“We enjoy doing it,” Shirley said of the project, adding that his goal as president of CHASEN is to serve his immediate community and build relationships with local community members such as businesses and schools.
CHASEN is also now collecting donations for 2025. Residents can donate to CHASEN by contacting Shirley through the city’s website. Cash and Venmo donations are accepted. The next CHASEN meeting will be held Jan. 21, 2025 at 7 p.m. at Foundation Christian Church.
