This Christmas, CDCR institutions statewide gave back to their local communities, showing their appreciation for the constant support.
California Correctional Institution gets into holiday spirit
California Correctional Institution (CCI) celebrated the Christmas holiday with a lobby decorating contest. The institution hosted their annual Salvation Army food drive, donating enough nonperishable food items to help feed over 100 less-fortunate families in the Tehachapi community. The Honor Guard presented the colors for the National Anthem and marched in the Tehachapi Christmas parade. The institution also collaborated with the Stallion Springs Police Department and the Kern County Sheriff’s office for the annual Jamison Children’s Center toy drive event.
“Every year I come out to this event and take pride in knowing that we can come together with our local community to bring some smiles to kids’ faces,” said retired Lt. Dave Crounse, who donated six bicycles in the toy drive.
Angel Tree finds CTF staff helping less fortunate
The Correctional Training Facility (CTF), in collaboration with the Cops Giving Tree Foundation, successfully hosted their third annual Holiday Angel Tree Event.
The Angel Tree program involved placing holiday trees at the CTF Entrance Buildings. Each tree was decorated with paper angel tags, uniquely representing a child in need, indicating their first name, age, and gender. CTF staff donors removed one or more tags to purchase tailored gifts for each child. In a concerted effort to reach those most in need, CTF partnered with the Soledad Unified School District, identifying 35 underprivileged children to be the recipients of this year’s Angel Tree Program.
To ensure all gifts would be delivered before the holiday, staff personally delivered these gifts on Dec. 24, ensuring that every child had a surprise waiting under their tree for the holiday season.
Luis Mares, Community Resources Manager (A) at CTF, played a pivotal role in orchestrating this event.
“The Angel Tree event is about touching lives and building bridges between our facility and the community. Seeing our staff come together to make this event successful reaffirms our commitment to community service and the true spirit of the holiday season. We believe every child deserves to feel the joy and wonder of the holidays, and I am proud to be part of a team that turns this belief into reality,” Mares said.
Submitted by Lt. Wil Landrum
CCWF brightens Madera Christmas Light Parade
Central California Women’s Facility (CCWF) participated in the 2023 Madera Christmas Light Parade in downtown Madera. The institution collaborated with the Holiday Gift Bag Project, a network of outside community members, who graciously provided a total of 2,500 gift bags for the population this year. CCWF staff placed donated Christmas trees from Pistoresi Ambulance Service in every building within the institution to spread holiday cheer.
“The donation of Christmas trees is something the population looks forward to every year. We have a great time going around to the housing units to judge the best decorated tree,” said Warden Anissa De La Cruz.
CIM helps community during holidays
California Institution for Men (CIM) gets into the holiday spirit by teaming up with the City of Chino Hope Family Resource Center/Family Services Program, adopting 27 less-fortunate families. These families were asked to provide a wish list for their loved ones. With the generosity from Chino Valley Employees’ Association, California Correctional Peace Officers Association (CCPOA), and staff, enough money was raised to purchase numerous gifts for the 27 families.
“There is no greater feeling then seeing the staff at CIM give to those less fortunate. No one should go without. I feel very blessed to be part of this here at CIM,” said acting Warden Travis Pennington.
Submitted by Lt. Paul Ybarra
CHCF brings companions home for the holidays
California Health Care Facility (CHCF) held its annual Christmas Puppy Parade, dressing Canine Companion puppies in Christmas themed attire. CHCF donated over 500 gifts to Taft-Montessori Specialty School students.
Children receive joyful gifts from PBSP
Pelican Bay State Prison (PBSP) staff joined with other first responder agencies in Del Norte County, to hold the “Shopping with a Hero” event. Staff shopped with children and guided them through aisles to pick gifts for others.
PBSP held its annual Santa Claus event where kids in Kindergarten and First grade write letters to Santa Claus stating what they would like for Christmas. Those letters make it back to the institution were state volunteer and buy these items for the kids.
CRC spends Christmas with Victress Bower School for Exceptional Students
California Rehabilitation Center (CRC) hosted and sponsored breakfast with Santa at Victress Bower School for Exceptional Students. The institution provided breakfast accommodations of approximately 300 individuals and raised $18,000 to donate to the school.
“Hearing how these events bring back holiday memories for the incarcerated was moving. It showed the power of such events in fostering a sense of community,” said Correctional Sergeant D. Rendon.
DAPO and DAI give back to local communities
CDCR’s Division of Adult Parole Operations (DAPO) and Division of Adult Institutions participated in the 15th Annual Snowball Heroes and Helpers Shopping event. The event gathered over 200 children from Big Brother Big Sister of El Dorado County for a memorable shopping spree at Target.
The Bakersfield Parole Complex partnered with the First Congregational Church of Bakersfield to host their annual gift giveaway. The groups provided 15 parolees and their families with a food basket donated from the local food bank, $50 Walmart gift card, and every child received a new pair of shoes plus a separate gift valued at $40.
DAPO Parole Agent II Specialist Anthony Marquez and Donald Lopez from the Southern Region Electronic Monitoring Unit donated over 40 gifts to Rancho Cucamonga Head Start School students.
“We service many students that struggle during the holiday season, so having Agent Marquez and Lopez donating gifts is a wonderful thing,” said Arlene Franco, the Head Start Site Supervisor.
Parole joins 15th annual Snowball Heroes and Helpers
The Division of Adult Parole Operations (DAPO) participated in the 15th annual Snowball Heroes and Helpers shopping event. In collaboration with Big Brother Big Sister of El Dorado County, the Snowball event creates a positive and safe environment for at-risk youth to interact with local law enforcement and fire personnel. Children receive needed items on their Christmas list and the opportunity to get a toy they really want. The El Dorado County District Attorney’s Office sponsors this event and raises approximately $45,000 each year. This year, over 200 children were invited to participate in the shopping spree at the Target in El Dorado Hills, near Folsom.
“DAPO was proud to be a part of this exciting event and help bring joy to others,” organizers said.
Staff in attendance included:
- Parole Administrator (A) Michael Trujillo
- Parole Agent III Bianca Lopez
- Parole Agent II Supervisor’s Christina Natividad-Pham and Erick Tinoco
- Parole Agent II (Specialists) Asuncion Martinez and Alejandro Tejeda
- and Parole Agents Rachel Rendon, Steven Martinez, Carol Modlin, and David Arestad.
Story submitted by Jaimee Lacey, Chief Deputy Regional Administrator (A)
Division of Adult Parole Operations
RJ Donovan donates to Nathan’s Last Wish Toy Drive
Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility (RJD) staff came together for the annual Nathan’s Last Wish Toy Drive. For 12 years, RJD employees Michael and Jessica Garcia have held the toy drive in memory of their son, Nathan. In 2012, Nathan was battling brain cancer and his last wish was to collect thousands of toys for other children in hospitals.
Since then, the Garcia family has kept his legacy alive by fulfilling his wish every year. In total, they have donated over 10,000 toys to hospitals and Ronald McDonald houses. This year, over 300 toys were donated to Ronald McDonald House of San Diego. The Community Resources team and volunteers also raised over $500 for the Rady Children’s Hospital Toy Fund.
Learn more about the Ronald McDonald House Charities.
Folsom State Prison donates bicycles to underserved communities
Folsom State Prison’s (FSP) annual bike event provided approximately 165 refurbished bikes to organizations that help underserved communities.
MCRP Butte participates in Christmas festivities
Butte County Probation and the Men’s Community Reentry Program (Butte MCRP) participated in the 2023 Christmas Wreath distribution. Staff and participants assisted making and distributing 4,100 Christmas wreaths on headstones at the Oroville Veterans Memorial Cemetery.
Butte MCRP created a committee, designed, and built a float for the 2023 Parade of Lights in Downtown Oroville.
OVSRS practices self-care for the holidays
Office of Victim and Survivor Rights and Services (OVSRS) attended Crime Survivors and Safe Family Justice Center’s annual Service Provider holiday themed Self-Care Day.
SAC donates to Gifts from the Heart Program
California State Prison, Sacramento (SAC) donated 100 gifts to the Gifts from the Heart Program. These gifts are given to individuals being served within the Department of Health and Human Services.
Elementary school students receive special surprise from SATF
Volunteers from the California Substance abuse Treatment Facility and State Prison at Corcoran (SATF) provided over 235 gifts to the Alpaugh School District. Every child from pre-school through sixth grade was given a gift.
SCC makes Christmas bright for the youth
Sierra Conservation Center (SCC) held its annual basket drawing event to raise funds for a local non-profit organization. Over $5,000 was donated for the event.
SCC Northen Camp Office staff took presents 13 children from the Youth and Family Foster Agency located in Redding.
“I am super proud of my fellow co-workers and friends who helped this holiday season. 13 kids get to have a Christmas this year because of them,” said Rebecca Martinez, Correctional Counselor I.
SVSP attends Cops Giving Tree
Salinas Valley State Prison (SVSP) partnered with several local organizations for the annual Cops Giving Tree event. SVSP donated over $2,000 to help disadvantaged youth and their families within the Soledad community.
Pleasant Valley State Prison transforms into Santa’s Workshop
Pleasant Valley State Prison (PVSP) has partnered with the City of Coalinga for the fourth year in a row to help gift children in need during the annual Santa’s Workshop event. PVSP employees donated gifts while the incarcerated population participated in food sale fundraisers to help with additional costs.
LAC provides Lancaster shelter with a merry Christmas
California State Prison, Los Angeles County (LAC) hosted their annual toy drive to donate to the Valley Oasis Domestic Violence Shelter in Lancaster. LAC donated more than 100 gifts to be given to the shelter.
CEN population, staff collaborate to continue Shop with a Cop charity event
Centinela State Prison (CEN) population donated over $10,000 to fund the Shop with a Cop charity event. Twenty CEN staff members attended to escort children around the store. Children received $100 to purchase whatever they wanted for Christmas.
CTC joins Galt Police, Cosumnes Fire Department to provide toys
Richard A. McGee Correctional Training Center (CTC) collaborated with Galt Police and Cosumnes Fire Department for their annual toy drive. Staff and cadets raised over $1,800 towards the toy drive to support over 600 children in the Galt area.
HDSP goes all in for local community this holiday
High Desert State Prison (HDSP) and Lassen Superior Court partnered to donate Christmas gifts and recreational supplies for the 86 senior citizens living at Eskaton Manor in Susanville.
Institution staff attended the Holiday with a Hero event, escorting children through stores to purchase a holiday gift. Children received $125 to spend.
HDSP staff donated over 100 gifts to Lassen Family Services where 35 children received gifts.
Jolene Speers, HDSP’s Community Resource Manager, organized the annual coat drive event and collected 74 coats for children at Shaffer Union Elementary School.
“We are lucky to have HDSP in our community and lucky that all the staff are so giving to help our school when needed,” said Shaffer Principal Joshua Blackburn.
See more community involvement stories.
Follow CDCR on YouTube, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter). Listen to the CDCR Unlocked podcast.