JWCs adopts Thanksgiving families

BY Ariana Shah

The Canyon Lake Junior Women’s Club donated six Thanksgiving turkeys to families in need in Canyon Lake last week. Private donors and fundraised money that remained from last year were used to purchase the turkeys.

“Every Thanksgiving holiday, we try to adopt families in the lake,” Sonja Kehnt Garibay, the Jr. Women’s Club Co-chair of Philanthropy and Co-chair of Scholarships, said. “We supply them with turkey dinners and help them out during this season. We also partner with Helping Hands to donate socks for seniors.”

Sonja frequently visits forums, where she is introduced to people who have friends, families and neighbors in need of help. The need for help is prominent, especially right now in this holiday season, she said

“This Thanksgiving, we helped families who dealt with a range of health issues and financial issues,” Sonja said. “The impact of COVID-19 has raised the need for help. People are fighting financial battles, health battles and mental health battles.”

Canyon Lake Junior Women’s Club handed out items like these for turkey dinners to families in need prior to Thanksgiving last week. Photo by Sonja Kehnt Garibay

One of the families that the CLJWC assisted was the Mycroft family. Bernadette Mycroft is a single mother of four who is a kindergarten teacher at Tuscany Hills Elementary who is now on unpaid leave. Her son, Bryan, a high school senior, is currently undergoing chemotherapy.

“Families who are dealing with financial struggles barely have the time to think of the holidays,” Sonja said. “So we are here to help them.”

Those who wish to help the Mycroft family can call or text Sonja at (909) 230-2702.

For December, the CLJWC is hosting two major fundraisers: A virtual golf tour and the Chef’s Open. The proceeds will be used to help several families with Christmas gifts and dinners.

Canyon Lake women interested in joining the club may attend its next Zoom meeting next Friday (Dec. 11) or by joining the CLJWC Facebook Group page.