Friendship Center Hosts Drive-By Luau for Local Senior Citizens

Ever since March, Montecito’s Friendship Center has been delivering monthly care packages to its senior citizen clients who have been mostly isolated at their homes from Goleta to Summerland during the pandemic. Two months ago, the center also hosted a drive-in event where clients could wave to staff from the comfort and safety of their cars.

Thanks to that event’s success, the Friendship Center followed up with another one with a different theme. “Our June event was such a hit with nearly forty attendees,” said Kathryn Cherkas, the center’s program manager. “We decided why not do another one this summer and make it even more festive.”

So, on the afternoon of August 27, the center hosted another drive-in event, this time with a Hawaiian theme. To wit: Cherkas and other center staffers dressed up in hula costumes for a special car-friendly “Luau” parade that took place in the center’s parking lot and lasted for more than an hour. Cars were backed into parking spots spaced at least six feet from each other. From their vehicles, seniors and their caregivers were able to enjoy a series of staff-led exercises, games, live music and even a hula performance.

Stay tuned for more updates on the Friendship Center’s continuing work to help senior citizens get through this difficult year with as much love and support as possible. To find out more about the center’s mission and upcoming activities, visit www.friendshipcentersb.org.