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Moorpark Unified School District

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MUSD’s Holiday Gift Giveaway Unites Community with Support from IATSE and Operation Warm

Members of the IATSE and Moorpark Unified School District staff pose for a photo shortly after completing setup for the district's third annual Holiday Gift Giveaway at Flory Academy of Sciences and Technology in Moorpark on December 17.

Members of the IATSE and Moorpark Unified School District staff pose for a photo shortly after completing setup for the district's third annual Holiday Gift Giveaway at Flory Academy of Sciences and Technology in Moorpark on December 17. 

(Moorpark, California) Dec. 19, 2024—Over 200 families participated in Moorpark Unified School District’s third annual Holiday Gift Giveaway at Flory Academy of Sciences and Technology on December 17. The festive event brought joy to students who received brand-new shoes and jackets donated through the Pennsylvania-based nonprofit Operation Warm. Backpacks were also distributed.

The jackets were funded by the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE), the Burbank-based labor union representing many of the behind-the-scenes crew in film and television. In addition to their financial contribution, IATSE members volunteered their time at the event, traveling to the Moorpark school to help distribute the jackets, shoes and backpacks.

“We are a labor union. We represent the folks who work behind the scenes in entertainment all over the country,” said Vanessa Holtgrewe, IATSE assistant department director of Motion Picture and Television Production. “We've partnered with (local unions) all over the country, but this is the first time that we are working with (the local union) here in Los Angeles, and we're just thrilled to be here. The IATSE and our volunteers are here in Moorpark today because we have members who live all over the city who work in film, television and stagecraft, and we want to represent them and help give back to our communities.”

“This event embodies the spirit of the holidays and demonstrates the power of partnerships in making a difference,” Superintendent Dr. Kelli Hays said. “We are incredibly grateful to IATSE and Operation Warm for their support in helping us meet the needs of our students and families.”

The Holiday Gift Giveaway is just one of the ways MUSD supports its families during the holiday season. The event also served as an opportunity for families to engage with the district’s Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP) survey. As part of California’s Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF), school districts are required to develop, adopt and annually update a three-year LCAP. This plan guides funding decisions and sets educational priorities for the district.

“The LCAP survey provides a way for parents and community members to voice their thoughts on where MUSD’s resources should be focused,” Dr. Hays said. “By filling out the survey, participants have a say in the district’s goals and budget for the coming year.”

MUSD officials said the event was a success and hopes to continue its partnership with IATSE for future initiatives and learning opportunities for Moorpark Unified students.