‘Tis the season for helping others, and Kollin Altomare Architects staff showed their holiday cheer this month by volunteering with Friends & Helpers, a local nonprofit organization, in El Segundo earlier this month.

Friends & Helpers was started in 1992 in Southern California by a victim of domestic violence to support the families within local shelters. Their goal is to provide support, education and encouragement for domestic abuse victims who have fled to a shelter or group home for safety. All of whom are trying to help themselves out of a violent, hurtful situation by receiving counseling, job training, financial planning and life skills. The organization supports several centers throughout the year.

Jill Guerrero, KAA job captain, introduced the rest of our staff to Friends & Helpers, and organized a volunteer day to give back local families in need. On December 6th, Jill and Kira Beltran, KAA interior designer, participated in this year’s holiday program, assembling packages of gift cards, toys and food for families in the program.

Friends & Helpers community outreach includes Back to School and Adopt A Family Holiday Program. Volunteers assemble school supplies, snack bags, hygiene items and holiday gifts as a way to provide the families with items we often take for granted and they desperately need all year round. This is made possible by donations, volunteer hours and company sponsorship. For more information on Friends & Helpers, click here.