Winter Wonderland for foster and at risk youth brings Christmas cheer to Palm Springs

Nearly, 700 foster kids and at-risk youth got to experience a Winter Wonderland event in the Desert, hosted by the Riverside County Office of Education. The event usually takes place in Riverside every year, but for the first time the County partnered with the Supply Bank brought the celebration to Palm Springs. Saturday, families were treated to a free meal, hot cocoa, and art and crafts, things they may not have been able to afford otherwise.

"The need was so significant, we usually had four to five thousand people showing up for the event in Riverside. We realized families in Palm Springs needed an event closer to them," said Riverside County Superintendent Edwin Gomez.

“I think it's meaningful, because all of our students of Riverside County deserve to have a wonderful holiday season. We have many sponsors and organizations that believe in our students, we believe that our students are the future of our community. And so having events like this validates them and it shares with them that we do care about them. And we love them as human beings,” Gomez added.

Dozens of volunteers like Elizabeth Bartholomew spent months planning the Wonderland event, cutting out hundreds of handmade paper snowflakes and making sure kids got a full experience.

“We believe in providing Winter Wonderland holiday and toy event so that our community can wrap their arms essentially that's what our superintendent says. So wrap their collective arms around our foster and homeless youth to show that we care and provide a warm, welcoming and inviting event where they can provide receive crafts, gifts and just come in have fun, let loose for a day and just forget about all their troubles and whatever is going on in their lives just for a few hours,” said Bartholomew.

At the event, kids got to hear presentations from motivational speakers and specialists about the significance of kindness, positive reinforcement and hope for the future. One speaker also taught parents and children how to deal with their emotions in a productive way.

All of the children in attendance left with special gifts and presents that were donated by both sponsors and the public. Volunteers also made sure every child left with a bag filled with essential hygiene items and a handmade blanket. One mother in attendance said she was thankful the County arranged the event.

"I think it's really great that they put on community events like this. It gives families from all different types of backgrounds, something that they can do with their child, whereas maybe they couldn't afford to buy all this and do all this with the ornaments and all the crafts. So I think it's really great just to spend time with family," said Autumn Schriner.

The County called the event a success and has already started planning for next year.