Destination Donation Returns for 17th Year to Serve Lake Isabella Families

Lake Isabella : December 20, 2025. A long-standing local tradition rooted in compassion and community returns this Saturday as Destination Donation celebrates its 17th year of serving families in the Kern River Valley during the holiday season.

Founded by Kathy Kaehler and Dr. Holly Spohn-Gross, Destination Donation provides gently used toys, clothing, shoes, and household items to families in need , no applications, no requirements, and no strings attached. The event will take place Saturday, December 20, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at 6200 Lake
Isabella Blvd.

“This began 17 years ago with a simple idea, what if we just showed up?” said Dr. Spohn-Gross. “This event is about dignity, generosity, and neighbors caring for one another, especially in a rural community like ours.”

Dr. Spohn-Gross and her husband, Dr. Robert Gross, DO, have served the Lake Isabella community for more than 25 years and have seen firsthand how economic challenges often impact rural families first. Destination Donation was created to ensure families could still experience the spirit of Christmas, regardless of
circumstance.

This year’s event reflects an outpouring of regional support. For the first time, Ridgecrest organizations were invited to assist, and the response has been both generous and humbling. Community partners include Alta One, Ridgecrest Rotary, Kiwanis, WACOM, and the Youth Rotary Satellite Club, along with many individual
volunteers.

Additional highlights include refurbished bicycles donated by Pastor Dave and his wife, who also teach children how to ride, and multi-generational volunteers including local families, teens, and college students
all serving together.

After 17 years, Destination Donation continues to prove that when a community shows up with heart, it truly makes a difference.