Support Families in Watts During the Holidays

The 2025 holidays will bring a hard reality for many CISLA students and families. We invite you to help us make the holidays easier by donating to our holiday campaign. Our goal is to raise $250,000 to feed students and families during the holidays.

Mass layoffs and cuts to essential Federal programs, coupled with the prolonged government shutdown, are adding increased burdens on the pockets of working families in our neighborhoods, especially in Watts. This means that veterans are unable to receive their benefits, seniors will lose access to their Social Security and Medicare benefits, disabled students will lose protections, and families will be unable to fight hunger and food insecurity.

CISLA’s families are also grappling with rising costs in housing, groceries, and utilities. Students are arriving at school without essentials like deodorant, proper shoes, or a clean PE uniform—things most of us might not think twice about, affect a student’s confidence and ability to learn.

CISLA’s Home for the Holidays Giveaway Event in Watts will distribute bags filled with essential nonperishables, gift cards, and a special toy for each student to bring warmth and joy to families across our schools. More importantly, you will show your support for families impacted by devastating federal funding cuts that have stripped away vital safety nets our communities rely on.

Please help us reach our $250,000 goal. Your generosity helps provide relief, expand our impact, and ensure that students experience the care and connection of their communities this holiday season. We ask you to give today to help feed and bring joy to families—and make every student feel at home for the holidays and beyond.

With gratitude,

The CISLA Team