The holiday season always ushers in a spirit of giving and The Friends and Helpers Holiday event, which was held December 8, certainly made its mark on goodwill efforts toward others.
Tarzana, California's Wilbur Avenue Elementary school was the scene of a charity and beauty-focused event that was orchestrated to help people in need.
A crowd of approximately 200 people showed up at the school.
The mission: To wrap donated gifts, assemble beauty bags and stuff stockings for those who are less fortunate. The holiday program aims to provide families in local shelters with a happy holiday. They bestow gifts to each family member and fill stockings for the children.
They also provide coupons for food, as well as everyday necessities and beauty bags for women and their children.
A total of 1,000 families got assistance this year. About 5,000 stockings were stuffed and 1,500 beauty bags were granted. Marie Ferro of Marie's Hair Studio in Malibu was the power behind the women's beauty bag campaign. Some of the beauty companies that assisted include The Body Shop, Colorproof, Goldwell, Phyto, Burts's Beeswax , OPI, Malibu C, Paul Mitchell and Room at the Beach.
Following food and shelter, the most requested thing by battered women and their families is beauty and self care items. These small items go a long way in restoring some self care and self esteem in traumatic situations.
Any beauty company or individual who is interested in donating can contact Friendsandhelpers.org