Employees at the Riverside County Office of Education (RCOE) collected gifts and other items for needy children as part of the Riverside County Office of Education Holiday Gift Drive. Employees “adopted” a child or family and shopped for items that they needed. Employees also supplied gifts and cash donations, and held a fundraiser at Applebee's for Holiday Festivals held in Indio and Riverside.

photo of children decorating cookies The RCOE Indio Holiday Festival was held December 17, 2008. Despite the rain, wind, and extreme temperatures, 38 families arrived to celebrate the holidays. This year RCOE employees were able to serve 305 family members at the Indio event, and distributed over 200 gifts to children. Additional bags of toys were delivered to families who could not attend.

photo of children and parents making photo frames At the Holiday Festival each family also received a food basket which included fresh vegetables and fruit donated by local growers. Families were entered into drawings for gifts and children participated in art activities. Mr. and Mrs. Claus arrived with books for the children and took time for photos with each family. Dinner was provided and the Cesar Chavez Elementary School dance team performed.

The RCOE Riverside Holiday Festival was held December 18, 2008. Over 185 children and their families attended.

photo of child having a snack at the Riverside event

The Riverside event included The Mad Scientist, photos with Santa, photo frame and holiday card making, cookie decorating, games, a visit from Little Caesar, snacks, free helmets from IEHP, face painting, and prizes. Each family also received a handmade quilt donated by the Friendship Quilters.

For information contact:
Rick Peoples, Public Information Officer
Telephone: (951) 826-6642
Fax: (951) 826-6199
rpeoples@rcoe.us

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