Despite the designer stores, large houses, beautiful beaches, and the seemingly perfect appearance of Santa Barbara, hardship is hidden, and growing.

According to the Santa Barbara Independent, 73,741 people in the county are living in poverty.

Laguna’s Interact Club recently held its annual food drive for the impoverished population of Santa Barbara.

Students in both the Upper School and the Lower School participated in the drive.

Donations from the food drive benefit locals through the Unity Shoppe, a nonprofit organization that provides for families in need of the bare necessities.

Its mission is to create a self-sufficient society through providing education and vital supplies for people of all backgrounds during their times of hardship.

Although  Unity Shoppe is only one of many aid organizations, its volunteers are overworked and supplies are dwindling.
As the Unity Shoppe’s resources are at an all-time low this year and the economy is in decline, Laguna’s Interact Club has stepped in to help.

“The goal of the Interact Club is to work for the local community as well as the global community. The food drive is our way of contributing to the local community,” said Interact Club president junior Helena Davila.

Through advisory competitions, students were encouraged to bring in as many canned foods as possible in order to fulfil their responsibility to the local community and to get a chance to win a pizza party for their advisories.

“I think it is a good and affordable way to help the community,” said sophomore Chloe Brown.
“It is awesome that Laguna students can aid those who have been affected by the poor economy,” said freshman Mia Chavez.

Middle School students are conducting a food drive as well. They are collecting food that will be donated to the Santa Barbara Food Bank.

“We live in a really privileged environment. It’s important that we remember to reach out to those who are less fortunate than we are because that’s the least we can do,” said junior Interact Club member Daria Etezadi.