Students Gather and Make a Difference with Santa Claus, Inc.

One day can make a difference, especially when that day is Make a Difference Day. On Saturday, Oct. 26, Anthony Gulino, vice-president for the Inland Empire Alumni Chapter of Delta Sigma Pi, was instrumental in making a difference in the lives of many when he arranged for 215 college students to come together and work as a team at Santa Claus, Inc. “Students are members of the professional coed fraternity founded in 1907 and organized to foster the study of business in universities. Since the fraternity encourages social activity and community service, and we admired the mission of Santa Claus, Inc., it is right for us,” said Gulino. “Today we will have students coming from the University of San Diego, CSU Fullerton, UC Riverside, the University of Redlands, UC Irvine, Concordia University, Chapman University and Loyola Marymount University. In addition to spending the day in service, the members of the fraternity have committed to donating $500 for the purchase of fleece, as it has done the past two years.” Santa Claus, Inc. Make a Difference Day organizer, Gillian West, was happy to welcome the help and support from the fraternity. “Santa Claus, Inc. serves over 17,000 children in the Inland Empire. Make a Difference Day is such a wonderful opportunity for us to get so many jobs done with the help of Delta Sigma Pi.” The warehouse was alive with activity from 8 a.m. until noon as everyone quickly found work to do. Students worked in groups under the supervision of weekly volunteers. They worked at putting together items for baby layettes. They packaged dolls, children’s clothing, made fleece blankets, filled bags with toiletries and moved boxes to and from storage bins. Tiffany Woo enjoyed packaging the dolls. “It was fun. I got to visit with my friends while I was doing something worthwhile.” Jimmy Woo said, “This is great. It’s an eye-opening experience. I know what I’m doing. I’m going to make some kid smile.” Faye Henry from the baby department commented, “This is my eighth year volunteering for Santa Claus, Inc. This is my favorite charity. I love working here. These kids today are very good workers.” Everyone’s efforts made a difference in meeting the deadline for distribution week scheduled for Dec. 10 through 17. “The need gets bigger each year. In 1952, when Santa Claus, Inc. was established, about 500 children were served. Today we target over 17,000 annually in our San Bernardino area which includes Colton, Rialto, Highland and Redlands. We are always looking for volunteers,” West said.