Early in the evening of Tuesday January 9th, 2018, following the debris flow disaster (later to be known as the 1-9 Debris Flow), a teen girl felt sad, upset, and wanting to help.

She thought to herself: “How can I help? What am I good at?”

Then she thought, “Art & Drawing!”

So she came up with a concept, created the art, and designed the t-shirt.

She contacted Santa Barbara County Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD). The next day VOAD Chairwoman, Kathleen Riel, responded with encouragement and information about charity relief organizations.

She did all of this on her own, without her parent’s knowledge.

In sharing her idea it blossomed, and thanks to many in the community, the SB Strong T-Shirt Initiative, one of many good efforts, was born.

Sofia shares, "No matter what you are good at, we can all make a difference."

Your shirt becomes both a symbolic and tangible form of healing, helping and standing in solidarity.

We've already served Direct Relief Thomas Fire/Debris Flow Fund with thousands of dollars raised in the first 48 hours of sales.

We're currently partnering with the following organizations to directly support those affected by the Montecito mud slides and Thomas Fire:

• The Search and Rescue Dog Foundation, whose dogs were critical during the initial recovery and saving lives. Additionally, they sustained extensive damages to their facilities during the Thomas Fire. A major goal is to raise $20K to sponsor a Search and Rescue Dog.
• Bucket Brigade
• Local schools and Go Fund Me campaigns who are selling the shirts to raise money for families impacted by the disasters.
• And we're looking forward to supporting AHA SB which facilitates grief and healing circles for youth and adults.