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MINUTES ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF SOCIAL SERVICES October 19, 2020 2 volunteer activities. Ms. Garrett highlighted her interest in joining the Social Services Board. The remaining Board Members introduced themselves and staff present made introductions. Tamara Dempsey-Tanner stated the Board needs to elect a Chair and Vice Chair. Pat Garavaglia made a motion that Tamara Dempsey-Tanner remain Chair. Jamezetta Bedford seconded the motion. The motion was carried without dissent. The Board discussed naming a new vice chair. Susie Enoch shared she will need to leave the Board after December due to personal health issues. Tamara Dempsey-Tanner nominated Pat Garavaglia for vice chair. Jamezetta Bedford seconded the motion. Pat Garavaglia stated she was willing to assume temporary vice chair responsibility but requested this be revisited in the future. There was no dissent to Pat Garavaglia being named as vice chair. 2. Holiday Programs Sharron Hinton provided an overview of the Holiday Program for 2020. Sponsorship of children identified in the Child Welfare, Employment Services, Adolescent Parenting Program, and Child Care programs will occur. Additionally, the gift sponsorship program will serve adults served by our Adult Services team. The program will occur similar to years prior; however, we are trying to serve more individuals this year since the Toy Chest program will be altered due to COVID-19 response. Sponsorship letters will be going out this week. Sponsors are being asked to spend $200-250 per child and $75-100 for adults. Wish lists are due this Friday. Sponsors will be asked to drop off gifts at OCDSS (Commons and SHSC) on December 12 and December 13. Toy Chest will be held December 19th and 20th. On the 19th, the hours will be 10a-6p; on the 20th, the hours will be 10a-7p. We have 8,000 families eligible to shop; we are planning based on an estimated 25% of this population attending. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, parents/guardians will not be able to shop for their child’s toys this year. Instead, OCDSS will pack a box that will consist of a toy, book, and food. The toy will be selected for the child’s age and gender. A food box will be provided to families. OCDSS will be assembling 1500 food boxes. Families will be assigned a time slot to arrive at OCDSS based on the first letter of their last name. This will be an event in which individuals park and remain in their car; staff will bring the items to parked car. Tamara Dempsey-Tanner asked if there will still be volunteer opportunities. Food box assembly will occur prior to Toy Chest and Orange County employee volunteers are being solicited. Pat Garavaglia asked how we plan to handle bicycles this year. OCDSS anticipates the number of bicycle donations to be down; however, donated bicycles will be utilized for the Sponsorship program. Pat Garavaglia asked if there will be still be Toys for Tots collection boxes in the community. Sharron Hinton stated Toys for Tots is still running this year and boxes will be in the community. Gift cards and monetary donations are accepted if an individual is uncomfortable shopping. OCDSS finance has a protocol to track these donations. 3. Ongoing Recovery Work Crystal Mitchell stated the social work staff continue to assist with the County’s COVID-19 shelter when there is a need. The shelter is activated when there is a COVID-19 positive individual experiencing homelessness or there is an individual who cannot isolate properly due to living in a