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+1 805-965-4122
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| 1219 State St, Santa Barbara, CA, 93101 | |
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360 ftChapala & Anapamu
390 ftAnapamu & State
770 ftAnacapa & Anapamu
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Activate map
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Specialties
«The Unity Shoppe’s Central Distribution Facility serves the low-income clients of 300 non-profit organizations, social service agencies, churches, schools and hospitals. Over 22,000 unduplicated people are referred for food, clothing, school supplies, furniture and basic necessities. Over 70,000 visits are made yearly by low-income families, children the elderly and the disabled. This collaboration prevents duplication of services and people being served by multiple places. People in need can rely on a consistent facility where they can receive a fair allotment of better merchandise year-round. The free clothing and grocery store allows clients to shop with dignity for the things they need and prevents wasteful handouts that may not be needed. This is a community project of staggering proportions. We share what we have with everyone that needs our services. We believe in preventing serious problems for the families we serve and our community.
History
Established in 1917.
Pearl Chase arrived in Santa Barbara in 1907. Her concern for low income seniors and children resulted in a community volunteer organization called the Santa Barbara Council of Christmas Cheer.
Hazel Severy arrived in Santa Barbara in 1914 and began a 37-year career as Professor of Chemistry at the University of California, Santa Barbara. The two women called a meeting with the Associated Charities and the Visiting Nurses at the Neighborhood House in 1917 to help people in need. The gifts were simple and the town small and they began to collect used gifts for distribution during the holiday season.
Barbara Tellefson began volunteering at the Council of Christmas Cheer headquarters on Haley Street in 1974 to help the Agency distribute holiday gifts to 1,000 families. The elderly volunteers welcomed her with open arms. Pearl Chase and her volunteers needed younger people to carry on the Agency’s long standing traditions.
