DPSS Annual Report 24_25 FLIP v16_compressed

Children’s Services Division

Community Partners Brighten the Holidays

HOPE Collaborative Delivers Cheer

Volunteers from HOPE Collaborative, Riverside County’s child abuse preven tion council, collected toys throughout the year for its HOPE for the Holidays toy drive. More than 2,000 children and youth felt the magic of the season as Riverside County social workers select ed and delivered gifts to those in need. With support from sponsors and com munity partners, the effort ensured each gift brought comfort, joy and a sense of hope.

Local Businesses Fill Sleigh

Firefighters Answer Holiday Wishes The Riverside County Professional Firefighters Benevolent Fund, with support from CAL FIRE Riverside County, hosted its annual holiday shopping spree with a firefighter for fam ilies in the Coachella Valley and cities in western Riverside County. Firefighters and their helpers filled shopping carts alongside children and parents, choosing toys, clothes and holiday goodies for hundreds of children, including many served by the Department of Public Social Services. The event brought excitement and joy to families who might otherwise have gone without during the season. A team of employees from a Riverside law firm and com panies at the Central Corporate Center collected holiday gifts in just one week for youth at Harmony Haven Children and Youth Center, Riverside County’s short-term shelter for children experiencing disruptions in foster care. The do nations allowed the youth to open presents on Christmas morning, creating a joyful and uplifting moment during a difficult time. “We couldn’t do it without the community’s help. Being able to provide the gifts meant so much to us so that we could surprise our children Christmas morning, just like any other family would,” said Julissa Castillo, executive director of HHCYC.

Riverside County Department of Public Social Services | Annual Report 2024 - 2025

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