Bid on a range of locally curated goods until December 6
By Sam Catanzaro
Help those in need on the Westside while bidding on locally curated goods, from restaurant certificates to artwork, in The Salvation Army Santa Monica Corps’ online holiday auction, an organization that has helped tens of thousands of people since the pandemic began.
This year, The Salvation Army is facing an unprecedented season of fundraising due to COVID-19 and until December. Since COVID-19 reached the Westside community in March, the organization has helped over 5,000 “first-time” clients, provided over 35,000 meals and over 1,000 hours of device charging to individuals experiencing homelessness. In addition, the organization has packed and delivered over 5,000 food boxes to families and homebound seniors, assisted over 50 struggling families with utility assistance and spent countless hours encouraging those who have experienced the effects of the economic downturn, isolation and pandemic itself. During a time where hardship has only increased, The Salvation Army has responded with readiness to help anyone in need, without discrimination, says Lieutenant Erin L. Wikle Corps Officer & Silvercrest Coordinator.
“Everyone has been impacted by COVID-19. Everyone. During a time when many have lost their job or small business, have become sick, known someone who has lost their life, or have experienced isolation, depression, or loneliness due to COVID – everyone has been impacted. The Salvation Army is here to help those in need and remind our community that hope is greater than fear. It is our mission to meet human needs without discrimination and provide for those hurting and alone, or struggling to make ends meet,” Lt. ieutenant. Wikle said. “The Salvation Army is committed to help families and homeless individuals combat food insecurity, pay their utility bills, and receive case management to help access resources to prevent and combat homelessness in our community.”
Together with its Advisory Board, The Salvation Army Santa Monica Corps invites the public to help further its mission by participating in an online holiday auction. Bid on locally sourced and curated goods from the comfort of the couch knowing every dollar stays local to bring help to the local community during times of crisis. In support of many Westside businesses such as The Albright, Gilbert’s El Indio, Shutters on the Beach, Casa Martin – the auction boast great finds from restaurant certificates, health coaching sessions, professional boxing and bass lessons, to upcycled designer jewelry, and even artwork from the film set Mad Men… and much, much more.
“Our Online Auction features a number of luxury stays at some of Santa Monica’s favorite hotels such as Shutters, The Shore Hotel, Casa del Mar, and the Fairmont Miramar. We are also featuring artwork used on the film set of American period drama, Mad Men courtesy of Lionsgate. You can shop sustainable from a collection of upcycled designer jewelry pieces, choose from a number of local eateries such as The Polo Club, Heroic Italian, or The Albright, or place your bid on a truly creative gift idea such as Bike Fit by tri-athlete, Ian Murray, or series of health coaching session by actress and local celebrity, Alexandra Paul,” Lt. Wikle said.
The auction is now open and will conclude on Sunday, December 6 at 5:00 p.m. To participate or make a donation, visit www.rescuechristmassantamonica.org to register and gain access to the bidding site.
