Incarcerated, staff give back to community

Staff and the incarcerated population are giving back to the community during the holiday season. Through toy drives, refurbishing bicycles, and staff visiting schools, the department is making a difference.

Folsom State Prison donates refurbished bikes

A long-standing tradition for Folsom State Prison, the annual bicycle donation event, was held Dec. 3. The program, established in 1986, is primarily supported by the Rotary Club of Cameron Park. Working with the prison, the program provides valuable job skills for the population as they learn to refurbish bicycles while giving back to the community.

This year, approximately 200 refurbished bicycles, through the Rotary Club, will be distributed to the following organizations:

• Gold Trail Elementary School District, El Dorado County
• Hope United, Elk Grove
• Union Gospel Mission, Sacramento
• Folsom Moose Lodge, Folsom
• Eunice Law Legacy, Oakland
• Lao Family Foundation, Sacramento

The event was a resounding success, highlighting the positive impact of the program on the community as well as the participants. Good Day Sacramento showed its support by covering the story and sharing it with a wider audience.

Folsom State Prison is proud to continue this tradition, fostering community partnerships and creating opportunities for personal growth and skill development among the incarcerated population

“The annual bicycle donation event exemplifies Folsom State Prison’s commitment to community partnerships, rehabilitation, and providing opportunities for the incarcerated population to give back in a meaningful way,” said acting Warden J. Tuggle.

Learn more about the Folsom State Prison bicycle program in this January 2023 story.

According to Folsom State Prison, people who would like to donate bicycles should contact any Moose Lodge, preferably in the Folsom region.

Submitted by Lt. Chad Deal

CCHCS Corrections Services helps Sacramento Children’s Home

Over the past two holiday seasons, the staff at California Correctional Health Care Services (CCHCS) Corrections Services in Elk Grove have stepped up for the Holiday Wish Star program through the Sacramento Children’s Home.

Each year over 3,500 children and 2,700 families are served by the home’s residential and community-based programs. During the holidays, approximately 1,500 children are directly served. The children range from infants at the crisis nursery to school-aged and young adults.

For most, donated gifts are the only gifts they will receive during the holiday season. Each star has the child’s name and a list of three wishes from small toys, clothes, bedding, diapers, learning toys, baby walkers, shoes and toiletries. CCHCS staff came together in 2024 to fulfill each wish for 30 children, including gift cards for each. Meanwhile, in 2023, CCCHCS provided gifts for 25 children in need.

Staff from all CCHCS areas pitched in to help, including:

• Executive team
• Health Care Placement Oversight Program
• Field Operations
• Compliance Reporting Unit
• Accreditation and Licensing
• Health Care Policy and Litigation Support
• and Health Care Facility Support

All gifts are collected, placed in holiday bags, ornament affixed and delivered to the Children’s Home to help make the holidays a little brighter.

Submitted by Capt. M. Cherinka, Corrections Services
California Correctional Health Care Services (CCHCS)

SATF donates 240 gifts to school children

The California Substance Abuse Treatment Facility and State Prison at Corcoran (SATF) staff come together to provide over 240 gifts to the Alpaugh School District.

Leading this event was Correctional Counselor II Litigations Coordinator Jason Barba, who took everything in stride with help from others.

This event provides a gift, donated by staff, for every child from pre-school through sixth grade.

SATF has long been involved with the small community of Alpaugh in Tulare County.

Barba and all the other staff who attend said they love seeing the excitement from the kids and the joy in their eyes once they see what Santa has brought them.

Acting Warden Raul Morales attended and thanked everyone for their support.

“A very special thanks to Correctional Officer Todd Gillis, who took over as Santa since long time Santa, Correctional Counselor III Dannion ‘DJ’ Cunning, stepped away to pursue retirement,” organizers said. “Also bringing the joy to event was Vocational Instructor Rachel Tilley who loves her role as an elf.”

Alpaugh officials said they deeply appreciate the institution’s generosity.

Read the 2022 story on CCIII Cunning as Santa.

Submitted by Lt. Brent Urban

CMF staff donate to Vacaville Christmas Wish program

California Medical Facility (CMF) staff participated in the Vacaville Christmas Wish program Dec. 11. In the true spirit of Christmas, CMF staff of various classifications came together to sponsor an underprivileged child for the holiday season.

The Vacaville Christmas Wish began over 40 years ago with a goal to see the area’s economically disadvantaged children granted a special Christmas wish. The organization runs solely on volunteers, relying on a collaboration with the community. CMF acquired 50 ornaments, each ornament providing a child’s name and age along with their three wishes. The staff were eager to assist as all 50 ornaments were picked up within days.

On delivery day, CMF’s Chief Deputy Warden Sircoya Williams, acting Community Resource Manager Sara Vazquez, Community Resources Analyst Nicole Cagnina-Holwagner, as well as Community Resource Office Technician Ranjan Patel, gathered the gifts and delivered them to the volunteers of the program.

 Every child deserves to feel the magic of the holidays and CMF is more than happy to contribute in any way.

Story by Lt. Alisha Toomer
Photos by Nicole Cagnina-Holwagner, community resource analyst

CRC-Norco, Amity Foundation donate bikes to school

Amity Foundation staff from the California Rehabilitation Center (CRC) kicked off the holiday season by collecting bikes to be donated to a local elementary school in Corona.

A dozen new bicycles were donated for the students at Coronita Elementary School in Corona. Amity Counselor Supervisor A. Anaya and CRC Officer M. Olmos worked together to gather and present the bicycles for the school to distribute.

Coronita Elementary School Community Liaison J. Davis contacted CRC in hopes of partnering for the holiday season. CRC’s Amity Foundation were more than willing to help.

“We were super excited about the generosity of choosing our school and didn’t expect so many bikes,” said Davis. “We will pass them out at our incentive rally for best attendance, and we will look for the children in need.”

Submitted Community Resource Manager Glin Harrison

CIW staff volunteer for Make a Child Smile event

California Institution for Women (CIW) staff volunteered to participate in the 2024 Make a Child Smile event held Dec. 11 hosted by Chino Valley Fire and a local Walmart.

Chino Valley Fire Chief Dave Williams, with CIW Warden Lavelle Parker and Capt. Arnold Robles, greeted and presented local elementary school children with a $175 gift card to purchase gifts for their families.

CIW staff was honored to accompany local families while they purchased gifts and took a photo with Santa. Over 150 children from local elementary schools had the opportunity to visit the local fire stations and go on a holiday shopping spree picking out items they believe would make their families happy and smile.

Submitted by Lt. William Newborg

CSP-Sacramento marks 16 years of giving Gifts from the Heart

California State Prison (CSP) Sacramento staff once again took part on the annual Gifts from the Heart program.

The annual holiday gift-giving program provides gifts to children, teens, dependent adults, and seniors being served within the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). Many of these families have very limited resources and the stress of the holidays can be very burdensome. This program brings hope and encouragement to those in need.

Sacramento County DHHS relies on its long-time sponsors to make the holidays special for the people they serve. This year CSP-Sacramento was able to supply gifts for 100 recipients.

Submitted by Lt. D. Gonzales

CHCF donates gifts to Van Buren Elementary School

Santa (retired Lt. Barry Tisdale) along with Mrs. Claus (Division of Adult Institutions Director Gena Jones) donated gifts to a school in Stockton. Staff from California Health Care Facility (CHCF) helped make the holiday special with the incarcerated population helping wrap all the gifts.

The Dec. 13 Van Buren Elementary School visit included members of Victory in Praise Church. They arrived with two large sleighs full of toys and holiday cheer. Staff dressed in festive Christmas sweaters to bring the holiday cheer to students and teachers.

CHCF staff and Victory in Praise Church generously donated over 500 gifts ranging from Lego and remote-controlled cars to bicycles and speakers. The gifts were distributed to students in grades pre-kindergarten through eighth. The event also included an Adopt-a-Child program, where 20 students were selected to receive special gifts. Additionally, students with the highest GPAs and those who showed the most improvement were rewarded for their achievements.

This heartwarming tradition was made possible through the collaborative efforts of the CHCF staff and incarcerated population, who worked together to wrap all 500 gifts. A few incarcerated individuals mentioned that this was their first time ever wrapping a present.

The generosity and support of the CHCF staff, California Correctional Supervisors Organization, and Victory in Praise Church, brought joy and holiday spirit to the community.

Submitted by Lt. Michelle Orozco

RJD staff volunteer for Shop with a Cop

RJ Donovan Correctional Facility staff volunteered to take part in the annual Shop with a Cop, featuring law enforcement agencies from across San Diego County.

Third-grade school children, selected from local elementary schools, were given a ride in a patrol vehicle to Sea World San Diego. There, they had breakfast, took part in a welcome ceremony, and watched a dolphin show.

The students then departed in a well-organized convoy to Target, where they were greeted by costumed characters and given a $200 gift card to shop for Christmas gifts of their choice. Many officers went above and beyond, donating their own money to ensure kids received the gifts they truly wanted.

“This was an incredible experience, and all staff who were able to participate said it was their most memorable day as part of the department,” said RJD organizers.

Staff involved in the effort also posed for photos with the children. They included Capt. S. Rutledge; Sgt. A Ruelas; officers N. Soto, A. Tibayan, A. Perez, J. Cepeda; Lt. A. Garvey; Capt. S. Amador; Associate Warden A. May; and Chief Deputy Warden M. Palmer.

Submitted by Lt. A. Garvey

Ironwood State Prison hosts annual Civil Servants for Santa

Ironwood State Prison hosted the annual Civil Servants for Santa in Blythe. This event has become a long-standing tradition to give back to the community. Local law enforcement and fire departments from Palo Verde Valley gathered to ensure 100 under-privileged children had a memorable shopping experience this Christmas.

Each child was paired with a civil servant from Ironwood State Prison, Arizona Department of Transportation, Blythe Police Department, Blythe Fire, CAL FIRE, Riverside County Probation, Riverside County Sheriff’s Office and California Highway Patrol.

Santa Claus arrived on a fire truck, interacting with the children while as they shopped for their toys. Once the children completed their shopping, they were provided complimentary breakfast.

A special thanks to Ironwood State Prison Civil Servants for Santa coordinator Cecy Arzate, Blythe’s Police Activity League and everyone who assisted with coordinating this successful event.

Later in the day, the community gathered in the town center to enjoy Blythe’s 2024 annual Christmas Parade themed “Christmas Around the World.” Ironwood State Prison entered the float contest, taking first place for best float in the law enforcement category.

Submitted by Lt. C. Whalen

CCI Tehachapi staff help less fortunate

California Correctional Institution (CCI) Tehachapi was busy spreading Christmas cheer in early December.

Kicking off the month, Lt. Ivan Casteneda and Officer Shannon Rolin participated in Tehachapi Police Department’s Shop with a Cop event. They supported less fortunate Tehachapi youth and by taking them to a local department store to shop for gifts and meet Santa.

Next, CCI staff, alongside Stallion Springs Police, held their annual Jamison Children’s Center Christmas toy drive. Five children currently seeking foster care were treated to doughnuts, pizza, bowling, and gifts from Santa. CCI was able to raise and donate over $300 worth of toys, clothes, and other needed items for the center. Donning the Santa Claus suit was Sgt. Bryan Lindsey. The children and volunteers were then treated to an extreme sports demonstration by the staff at Woodward West.

Then, to finish off the week, the CCI Honor Guard participated in the Tehachapi Christmas Parade by marching and driving a parade float.

Submitted by Lt. Adrian Hart

Santa’s Pals Holiday Giveaway gets help from RJD

STAR/PAL held their annual Santa’s Pals Holiday Giveaway Dec. 17 with help from RJ Donovan Correctional Facility (RJD).

Families were referred by the Division of Adult Parole Operations, San Diego County Sheriff, San Diego Police Department, and San Diego County Probation. Attendees at the event received holiday canned goods, Christmas gifts, and pictures with Santa and/or the Grinch.

The community was allowed to play in the snow, have hot cocoa, and enjoy face painting and coloring with the RJD Chapter of the Chicano Correctional Workers Association.

Each referred family also received a $100 gift card for groceries. The children were able to select a toy and received wrapped presents from Santa.

“As STAR/PAL continues their mission to facilitate positive relationships with law enforcement and children in the community, RJD is proud to partner with them. (We are) looking forward to future collaborations,” according to a statement issued by RJD.

Learn more about STAR/PAL.

Submitted by Lt. A. Garvey

CIW pitches in for Toys for Tots

California Institution for Women (CIW) donated a trailer full of gifts to Toys for Tots, a 70-year national charitable program run by the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve. The group provides happiness and hope to less fortunate children during each Christmas holiday season. The mission of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation is to assist the U. S. Marine Corps in providing a tangible sign of hope to economically disadvantaged children at Christmas.

This assistance offers day-to-day leadership and oversight of the program, raising funds for toys to supplement the collections of local Toys for Tots Chapters, to provide promotional and support material and defray the costs of conducting annual Toys for Tots Chapters.

California Correctional Peace Officers Association (CCPOA), California Correctional Supervisors Organization, and CIW management staff worked together to donate a trailer full of toys. To thank staff, CCPOA served breakfast burritos to all first watch staff, while all second and third watch staff received freshly made chicken rice bowls.

Submitted by Lt. William Newborg

High Desert State Prison staff helps community

HELPING KIDS — Lassen Family Services received help thanks to staff at High Desert State Prison. Every year, Lassen Family Services reaches out to local businesses and companies to gather gifts for children in need during the holiday season. Staff donated over 100 gifts for 40 children. Gifts included new clothing, toys, games, and bicycles from the children’s wish lists.

HELPING SENIORS — Staff also partnered with Lassen Superior Court to help senior citizens at Eskaton Manor in Susanville. The manor provides low-cost independent living with personalized care designed to meet their unique needs. This was the second year for High Desert’s participation, donating gifts from the residents’ wish lists. Gifts also included puzzles, word-search books, games, and grocery gift cards. Correctional Officer Palmer and his wife were Santa and Mrs. Claus this year, handing out gifts and treats to the residents.

Submitted by Lt. J. Micone

Parole staff take part in resource fair, gift giveaway

The Division of Adult Parole Operations (DAPO) staff from the Community Reentry Unit and South Coast Parole Unit took part in the Miracle on Wilmington resource fair and gift giveaway.

Miracle on Wilmington, put on by TDD Supportive Living Inc., was held Dec. 14 in Watts.

Over 400 children and families were given toys and community resources from CDCR, Department of Rehabilitation, Advancing the Seed, Liddo Grannies Touch, Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health, and others. Participants were treated to lunch while barbers were on hand to provide free haircuts, and Los Angeles Metro provided TAP cards for residents.

Los Angeles City Councilmember Tim McOsker welcomed the residents and thanked community stakeholders and volunteers for participating in the well-attended event. TDD Supportive Living is a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering and uplifting justice-impacted persons, and providing them with whole person care services, which include residential services, employment services, and life skills.

Submitted by Brian Mendoza, parole administrator
DAPO Community Reentry Unit

Avenal staff gather gifts for foster children

For the second consecutive year, the dedicated team at Avenal State Prison joined forces with the Kings County Human Services Agency to launch their annual Christmas Toy Drive for foster children. This initiative aims grants holiday wishes to local foster youth and young adults. The festive season can be a challenging time for children in foster care, which is why Avenal State Prison chose to support this community organization. “We are fortunate to be able to give back and bring joy to the children in our community,” said Community Resource Manager D. Lovette.

Submitted by Lt. A. Shuller

Pelican Bay gets into holiday spirit with Operation Santa

Pelican Bay State Prison held its annual Operation Santa, having kids write letters to Santa Claus requesting what they would like for Christmas. Those letters make it back to the farthest north California institution, where Pelican Bay staff buy these items for the kids. 

This year Pelican Bay delivered gifts to approximately 173 students ranging from prekindergarten to first grade at Joe Hamilton School. The letters to Santa were collected and given to the Business Services Office (BSO). Once the gifts were bought and wrapped by Pelican Bay staff, they were dropped off at the BSO. Then gifts were loaded and delivered to the school by Santa and his elves on the fire truck.

Operation Santa is a long-held tradition at Pelican Bay where each year a different school is chosen in the local area. This is the 14th year Operation Santa has brought joy to kids in the local area. We would like to thank retired Sgt. Scott Cupp for continuing to support the prison as the honorary Santa Claus. Read about Cupp’s journey as Santa in our 2022 profile.

Submitted by Lt. S. Leon

Pelican bay staff volunteers for Shop with a Hero

Staff from Pelican Bay State Prison took part in Shop with a Hero, benefiting local community children. This year, the event saw 121 kids shopping with a first responder. Staff joined with other Del Norte County agencies to hold the Shopping with a Hero event. Staff shopped with children and guided them through aisles to pick gifts for their family or someone important in their lives. “This was a great event allowing the children to see the different types of first responders as well as them feeling comfortable to speak with their partnered-up hero,” said organizers.

In addition to CDCR staff, there were representatives from the local fire department, paramedics, Rotary Club, county probation, search and rescue, CHP, Klamath Police and Del Norte County Sheriff’s Office.

Each hero was paired with a child and received a gift card to go shopping in Wal-Mart. When they were done, they went to designated checkout lanes and then to tables where volunteers waited to wrap the gifts. The annual event gives children the opportunity to learn about giving and to go Christmas shopping with local first responders.

Submitted by Lt. S. Leon

Inside CDCR editor volunteers as Santa for school

For the third year, Inside CDCR editor Don Chaddock volunteered as Santa for a rural Nevada County school. He sat for photos, listened to wish lists, and joined the Arete Charter Academy students on the “ice skating” rink Dec. 19. “While many of the students asked for toys or other material items, a few asked for something special. One little girl asked if Santa could take away her mom’s stress,” Chaddock said. “The kids are sweet and it’s very rewarding.” Read the original profile on why Chaddock volunteers as Santa.

Submitted by the Office of Public and Employee Communications

Valley State Prison hosts annual gift drive

Valley State Prison in Chowchilla, through coordination of the Community Resources Department, partnered with community providers and local businesses to bring holiday cheer to families across Madera County.

Employees adopted 15 families in their annual Winter Wishes Adopt-A-Family Christmas drive. Additionally, the incarcerated population donated 50 bikes, crochet hats, blankets, scarves, and mittens through various prison programs.

The donations were made to local non-profit organizations serving at-risk youth, victims of violence, the unhoused, and families who are struggling to provide for themselves. Foster Farms also donated chicken to the organizations.

The prison worked with Community Action Partnership of Madera County, Central Valley Regional Center, Love Inc. of Madera, and Fairmead Community & Friends.

Submitted by Lt. A. Salas

Calipatria State Prison serves meals to those in need

Staff at Calipatria State Prison joined in the holiday spirit and supported the Imperial Valley’s Salvation Army through two events.

On Wednesday, Nov. 27, Calipatria prison staff volunteered to assemble plates of food for local valley residents in need of a warm Thanksgiving meal.

Staff arrived early in the morning and eager to begin the day’s task. The food arrived and the volunteers began assembling trays. By the end of the day, staff assembled over 1,000 plates of food.

“I was gratified to be given the opportunity to volunteer for those in the community less fortunate. Judaism teaches us that our commitment to Almighty God is expressed primarily with deeds and action. This is especially true for Thanksgiving, where our gratitude to God must express itself in the actions of our daily lives,” said Benzion Lew, Jewish Chaplain.

Salvation Army Southern California Division Capt. Michelle Miranda thanked the employees for their efforts.

“A big thank you to all our volunteers and partner agencies who came out to support this luncheon event,” said Miranda.

Correctional Counselor III J.D. Anaya said the appreciated the opportunity to give back to the community.

“The department has provided so many blessings for me to personally be thankful for every day. Participating in this event provided an opportunity for me to serve those in the community that may not have the means to obtain the little things that we take for granted everyday like a warm meal,” Anaya said.

Submitted by Lt. E. Uribe

Through Angel Tree, Calipatria helps community

In December, the yearly tradition of the Angel Tree is initiated. The angels all have a child’s name, age and wish for the holiday season. The Angel Tree Program is another event in which Calipatria staff supports the Imperial Valley’s Salvation Army organization. Staff select an angel from the tree, donating the gift the child had wished for. This event is so successful, the Community Resources Managers Office requests additional angels as they quickly run out. As a result of staff’s generosity, the Salvation Army was able to bring smiles to over 90 local children this holiday season.

“Around Christmas time, there always seems to be some financial discomfort or anxieties. But we need to also recognize and assist our community with those who (are in need). Every child deserves to experience the joy of Christmas. Every paper angel is a child meeting the criteria as a child in need. Our county is full of paper angels and I feel it’s very important and can even be life changing to give these kids the opportunity to enjoy the holiday,” said Correctional Capt. L. Solomon.

Submitted by Lt. E. Uribe

Ironwood helps elementary school, care center

Ironwood State Prison’s Community Resource Office arranged a Secret Santa event for Felix J. Appleby Elementary School and Blythe Post Acute Nursing Care Center. In all, Ironwood offered gifts to 45 care center residents and 60 students from the school. Ironwood staff delivered the gifts in person Dec. 19, bringing joy and the holiday spirit into the community of Blythe.

Submitted by Lt. C. Whalen

Los Angeles Central District parole holds toy drive

The Los Angeles Central District parole office hosted their annual Holiday Toy Drive Dec. 18 with staff donating toys, gift cards, and food. Supervised persons, their spouses and children were invited to the district to break bread with staff and allow the children to select gifts of their choosing. The LA Central party planning committee (shown above) and district staff were thanked for their efforts.

Submitted by Tracey Portee, special assistant to the deputy director
Division of Adult Parole Operations

San Jose parole staff supports House of Toys

For two months, San Jose Parole Complex staff gathered toys to support the House of Toys drive.  Then, on Dec. 11, staff loaded up several vehicles with toys and delivered them to the Neon Exchange in Gilroy. Volunteers from several organizations and the community support the House of Toys drive. Volunteers donate gifts or volunteer their time as docents and gift wrappers.

Resident shoppers line up and connect with a volunteer docent shopper to pick out their toys and have them wrapped and ready to place under the tree. The House of Toys grew from a few hundred toys to 3,500 toys, serving more than 600 families over three days. 

“It has been a community blessing to collaborate with so many organizations to meet the needs of every parent or guardian needing a little extra help during the holiday season. San Jose parole staff was thrilled to be able to support the community and help spread the Christmas cheer,” according to parole organizers.

Submitted by Tracey Portee, special assistant to the deputy director
Division of Adult Parole Operations

SCC hosts toy, coat drive

Sierra Conservation Center (SCC) staff participated in a holiday toy and coat drive, gathering over 100 toys and just as many winter items were collected. Ten full bags of toys and a pallet full of winter clothes and shoes were donated by SCC staff, in partnership with Tractor Supply of Sonora, and donated to The Amador Tuolumne Community Action Agency. The agency coordinated the delivery of all donations to families in need within the local community.

Submitted by Lt. R.S. Jauregui

CSP-Corcoran distributes gifts at Bret Harte Elementary

The Corcoran fire department arrived at Bret Harte Elementary school Dec. 20 with a fire truck loaded with wrapped toys. CSP-Corcoran staff handed out these toys to preschoolers.

When all the toys were given out, they opened their gift all at once and got to share this moment with their fellow classmates. Food baskets were also provided to local families who otherwise would have not had the opportunity to sit down at their tables and enjoy a nice holiday meal with their loved ones.

“CSP-Corcoran staff and Bret Harte Elementary school staff love to see the joy that the gifts bring the kids it is truly a magical time,” according to organizers.

Submitted by Lt. Justin McIntyre

Calipatria visits skilled nursing center

Staff at Calipatria State Prison took part in the 2024 Pioneers Skilled Nursing Center donation drive.

The drive began in the early part of December when staff began bringing items such as socks, slippers, beanies, blankets, nail polish and shaving supplies to the Community Resource Manager’s (CRM) office. Staff continued gathering donations through Dec. 16, filling the CRM’s office.

The gifts benefited elderly residents at the Pioneers Skilled Nursing Center. Along with gift bags, CDCR and CCHCS staff also sang Christmas carols.

Tuff Teddy and the Grinch also walked the hallways and visited residents in their rooms, ensuring everybody received gifts and a smile.

“Taking a small gift to our elderly along with a surprise visit from the Grinch and Tuff Teddy is a great way to bring joy to our community,” said The Grinch. “However, seeing their smiles while singing Christmas carols was the best gift they could give us.”

They posed for pictures with the staff and gave high-fives to the residents as they made their way through the corridors.

“Our visit to the Pioneers Skilled Nursing Center is one of the many highlights our staff has experienced this year. The executive team embraced the holiday spirit,” said Brandy Hill, Chief Executive Officer. “This would not have been possible without the donations and support from our staff. To celebrate the holidays with members of our community is a rewarding and humbling experience.”

Sonia Padilla, associate warden of business services, agrees.

“Calipatria shares the joys of Christmas, leading patients in singing Christmas carols and spreading (cheer) to brighten patients’ holidays,” she said.

Submitted by Lt. E. Uribe

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