Catholic Charities of San Bernardino and Riverside Counties

SAN BERNARDINO, CA – All families should have what is necessary to celebrate the holidays even during a national economic crisis that is bearing down on local families in the Inland Counties. To make this possible for thousands of families this year, Catholic Charities has organized a series of Holiday Celebrations for those in need of help over the next few weeks.

THANKSGIVING 2011 – SAN BERNARDINO
Nov 25 - The 8th Annual Thanksgiving in San Bernardino treated 451 individuals to a Traditional Thanksgiving meal. Over 184 volunteers donated the food, prepared the meal, and served those who attended in a restaurant setting. A valued community partner, “The Brandin’ Iron” located on E Street generously donated their facility.

CHRISTMAS 2011 -SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
Dec 19th -23rd - Christmas will visit those in need who have preregistered for a tradition meal and Christmas presents for the kids. Over 750 families will receive Christmas Food Baskets to be distributed at the Catholic Charities’ offices in San Bernardino, Ontario, and Apple Valley. Each Food Basket contains the essentials for a tradition Christmas Dinner. A total of 400 gifts will be given to children. 200 toys were generously donated by community partners, Santa, Inc. and Arrowhead United Way. 25 families have been “adopted” by local businesses and will be provided a Christmas meal, Christmas tree, and gifts. Our Lady of the Rosary Cathedral in conjunction with Catholic Charities is hosting an Angel Tree for the children of the community. Parishioners will buy gifts for a child whose name was placed on a Christmas Tree.

CHRISTMAS- RIVERSIDE COUNTY
Dec 17th – A Christmas Party will be hosted at Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Riverside in partnership with Catholic Charities. 220 children are registered to receive a present. The church is hosting an Angel Tree and parishioners will buy gifts for names on the tree. At the Christmas party there will be activities and Santa will be handing out the gifts. 25 youth volunteers will make cookies with children when they come to pick up their toys.

Dec 20th – The Moreno Valley Office of Catholic Charities has 700 families registered to date to receive Christmas presents. On Dec 13th, (AMR) American Medical Response Ambulances will deliver toys in 20 ambulances. The toys were collected by Toys for Tots. Catholic Charities was honored to be asked to distribute Toys for Tots through the Catholic Charities’ Riverside and Moreno Valley offices. The mission of the U. S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program is to collect new, unwrapped toys during October, November and December each year, and distribute those toys as Christmas gifts to needy children in the community in which the campaign is conducted. This year over 2,100 children will receive toys. Toys will also be provided to community non-profit agencies in Riverside.

The Moreno Valley Office of Catholic Charities will also be distributing 100 Christmas Food Baskets to pre-registered families. The Perris Office of Catholic Charities will be distributing another 50 baskets.
CHRISTMAS- COACHELLA VALLEY
Dec 16th – Catholic Charities will be distributing toys in Mecca and North Shore to families to enrolled families. The toys were purchased in bulk from community partner, FIND Food Bank.

Dec 17th – In partnership with Catholic Charities, the 1st Annual Christmas Party at Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Indio will be providing dinner for 500 registered participants. The dinner will be a traditional Christmas meal of ham and turkey. Santa will be giving out gifts to nearly 300 children. The parishioners will host an Angel Tree and purchase all of the gifts.

Dec 21st – Catholic Charities will be giving away Teddy Bears and blankets to registered families in Mecca and North Shore. Children will be able to get a photo with Santa.

January 7th – Catholic Charities and St. Louis Parish in Cathedral City will be celebrating “Three Kings Day,” a Latin American celebration, with a traditional Christmas Meal for 500 people and gifts for over 300 children. Gift donations were received from parishioners and the Youth Group who collected the toys and presents.

Holiday Celebrations depend on volunteers and donations. If you are interested in getting involved please call Patty Franks at (909) 388-1239, x302.