Lynn K. Loyd
Special to the Valley News
Community Outreach Ministry together with Murrieta Gateway Church of the Nazarene hosted another successful Angel Tree Christmas Party on Dec. 16, 2023, benefiting youth impacted by parental incarceration. The ministry was cofounded and is led by Dr. Mona Salomo-Davies and her husband Coach Bob, “giving at-risk kids a second chance to become winners and champions.” This is accomplished through our year-round Christmas, mentoring, camping, and outreach enrichment programs.
Over 70 families and 200 children were recipients of gifts distributed at the party or via home delivery. Over 400 gifts were gathered on behalf of incarcerated parents to ensure their children receive presents in Riverside County.
Gateway Pastors Eliel and Renee Morales expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to be a part of the amazing Angel Tree Party. “Many kids came to receive gifts for Christmas with family members and the laughter and the joy on their faces showed that they went away with more than just gifts; they left knowing the community cared about them and the difficult situations they are going through. We hope to join in other events such as this one that changes lives by giving hope,” Morales said.
The party kicked off with carolers followed by the play, “What God Wants for Christmas?” Guests were served a boxed lunch catered by Habit Burger Grill and enjoyed a beautifully decorated cupcake for dessert. Habit Burger Director of Catering, Stan Singh, commented how he was “honored to be a part of this holiday event and give back to our local community.”
Partners included: Kevin Ferris of the U.S. Forestry Service firefighters, and Smokey Bear. Ferris said, “We enjoy supporting the Community Outreach Ministry Angel Tree Christmas Party program and have done so for years. We want to help educate these children about our services and be a positive influence in our community.”
The Murrieta Police Department Sergeant Norbert Moll said, “We extend our sincere gratitude for the opportunity to participate in the Angel Tree Christmas Party on Dec. 16, 2023. The attendees displayed kindness and receptiveness during our presentation on the Explorer and K9 Unit Programs with Officer Aaron Harwick and K9 Roger. We appreciate the warm reception and hope to be considered for future events.”
Vista Community Clinic brought their Medical Mobile to show VCC is not just a healthcare provider; “We’re a community committed to enhancing lives through comprehensive services and programs,” Melissa Vega said.
Camp Agape’s Albert and Beth Canul said, “Camping is fun, life changing and is free for youth ages 7-17. Camp meets for 3 nights and 4 days over the Labor Day holiday.”
Davies said, “This party is significant as it serves as a welcome mat to invite youngsters to engage in and focus on early STEAM workshops, apprenticeships, and career exploration to increase youth’s capacities to become first-generation high-school graduates, skilled workers and earn a legal salary.” The ministry’s innovative interventions are helping to break the cycle of incarceration, reduce recidivism, and build safer neighborhoods, and are fun and rewarding.
Thank you to the many community businesses and individuals for donating gifts. Dr. Trivedi of Southland Arthritis said, “Community Outreach Ministry is a superb organization and is an amazing way to give back. I appreciated shopping for Angel Tree Christmas gifts and teaching my 5-year-old daughter the importance of giving back to our community. We truly enjoy participating in this wonderful event.”
Assemblywoman 71st District Kate Sanchez gave certificates of recognition to Angel Tree partners, sponsors, and volunteers “thanking them for their generous partnership with Community Outreach Ministry’s 23rd Annual Angel Tree Christmas Party. Your participation in this worthwhile event is appreciated. Your involvement in this ministry is vital to the continued support and success of these at-risk kids.”
Community Outreach Ministry is obliged to the Angel Tree Coordinators Janice Hare for contacting the caregivers for the children’s wish lists, Johnna Hose of Dream Vacations for creating tags, and Ankoma Hose of Whissel Realty Group for distributing the gifts. To view a video recap of the event, visit https://drive.google.com/file/d/18B9HXaUbxnl0H4Y4Uf8tEXbS-3OZPYmd/view?usp=sharing
For more information on how get involved in the ministry or donate, visit them online at www.communityoutreachministry.org or text or call 951-231-5515. You can also contact COM by email at info@communityoutreachministry.org. Checks may also be made payable to Community Outreach Ministry, and mailed to 23905 Clinton Keith Road Suite 114 #116, Wildomar, CA. 92595.
