SANTA YNEZ CHUMASH REACH 20 YEARS OF $25K DONATIONS TO TOYS FOR TOTS
SANTA YNEZ, CA – December 7, 2023 – The Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians has reached $500,000 in donations to the local Toys for Tots campaign after a $25,000 check was presented onstage before the Mannheim Steamroller Christmas show Friday night at the Chumash Casino Resort. This is the 20th consecutive year that the tribe has helped fund the nonprofit’s efforts to supply toys to economically disadvantaged children during the holiday season.
The Central Coast Marine Corps Reserves Toys for Tots campaign serves families in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties through partnerships with local agencies, such as Unity Shoppe, People Helping People, The Salvation Army, Community Action Commission, Tribal TANF, United Boys & Girls Club and the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians.
“For decades, the local Toys for Tots campaign has been bringing joy to children in need in our community,” said Kenneth Kahn, Tribal Chairman for the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians. “We are proud of our 20-year partnership with a nonprofit that makes such a meaningful impact on the holiday season on the Central Coast.”
In previous years, the tribe announced the donation prior to holiday concerts featuring acts such as Johnny Mathis, Melissa Etheridge, Clint Black, The Judds and even a 2006 concert that showcased the young, up-and-coming country artist Taylor Swift.
“We are so grateful for this partnership with the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians that has now spanned 20 years,” said 1st Sgt. (retired) Soledad Kennedy, the Marine Corps League 1340 Toys for Tots Coordinator for Santa Barbara County. “It’s estimated that over the years, this partnership has helped purchase toys for over 8,000 children in Santa Barbara County.”
For more information on how to donate a toy or make a monetary donation, visit www.toysfortots.org/donate.
The Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians has donated more than $25 million to hundreds of groups, organizations and schools in the community and across the nation as part of the tribe’s long-standing tradition of giving. To find out more about the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians Foundation and its giving programs, visit www.chumash.gov.