Feature Story by Larry H. Oskin
Charity Across South Lake (CASL) is collecting toys and food for the needy families and children of the South Lake community, and Santa and his helpers are filling bags full of surprises.
Everyone is invited to join a variety of organizations and agencies across the South Lake community to work together to serve children and families in need. In its first year, Charity Across South Lake served over 1,000 children and families. This is the second year of the very successful community project and the goal is to help at least 3,000 children and their families across Clermont, Minneola, Montverde, Ferndale, Groveland and Mascotte.
Renee Loew shares, “I am truly grateful and elated that so many wonderful South Lake people, companies, city leaders, police departments, and organizations have stepped up to support this collaborative community project.”
Secret Santa Pick Up Plans: South Lake families merely need to go online to register right away with a Christmas Across South Lake application on the Charity Across South Lake website. If needed, you can call or visit the Clermont Hope Center for registration assistance. Many area schools will help you register. With over 130 bikes donated so far, they will be equally divided between the various South Lake communities. Teens who need transportation to and from work can try to register for a bicycle.
A drive-through Santa Shack is being organized. Families who pre-register online will receive an appointment time to pick up toys and food on two Saturdays, December 11 and December 18 between 9 AM to noon. You will need to present photo identification, to show that you currently reside in South Lake. A bilingual staff of volunteers will be there all dressed up in costumes while sharing cookies, hot chocolate and playing festive holiday music. Local area law enforcement officers will be on hand to help organize the drive-through traffic.
Charity Across South Lake Team: Led by Renee Lowe as the CASL Vice President and the Christmas Gift Drive organizer from South Lake Kiwanis, she and their Board have garnered plenty of volunteer help. This Christmas Toy Drive Committee is supported with help from Michelle Michnoff as CASL President from Seacoast Bank, Clermont Police Chief Charles Broadway, Clermont Mayor Tim Murry, Groveland Mayor Evelyn Wilson, Mascotte Police Chief Eric Pedersen, Glenn Holcomb as IT Director, Denise Kalman-Smith as Treasurer, Jessica Whitehouse as Secretary, Sandra Vela, Kalena Meyers and all CASL members.
Donations: Charity Across South Lake is always looking for businesses, families and organizations to help donate and sponsor a series of Christmas gifts in December and school backpacks in the fall. They are still in need of more toys, books, bicycles, computers and board games for young children as well as children 12 to 18 years of age. You will find over 140 convenient toy drop locations on their website this year. They are hopeful more will sponsor their charitable events with a donation.
Donations and Sponsorships: Cash donations can be made at Seacoast Bank to the Charity Across South Lake Fund. You will be able to download their QR Code which makes it simple to participate as well as to make your donation pledge.
Mascotte Police Chief Eric Pedersen shared, “We are especially excited to help on this worthwhile community project. We have quite a few officers in our Mascotte Community Engagement Team that love helping for everyone’s benefit. It’s an important rewarding experience to participate and for us to all give something back. We absolutely love seeing all of the children’s smiles!”. Bridget Kleinschmidt noted, “After I met Renee a few years ago and got involved, I have joined and stayed on as a proud volunteer. It’s the best charitable group and activity that I have ever been involved with to help our local communities. It’s fun and a great way to help all of the South Lake children!”
For more information visit the Charity Across South Lake website at: www.acrosssouthlake.org/. Donors, sponsors and volunteers are always needed. Like and follow them on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/CharityAcrossSouthLake\
