February 14, 2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Leslie Heimov (323) 980-1700
LOS ANGELES (FEBRUARY 14, 2020) – In 2006, with the intention of bringing holiday joy to some of the neediest children in the Los Angeles and Sacramento foster care systems, Children’s Law Center of California developed a small gift-giving holiday program. The first Adopt-A-Family event yielded a few holiday gifts for children identified by CLC staff as having greater need than most. With 30,000 clients in Los Angeles, and Sacramento County, these children and families were those who did not have gifts to open, warm clothing, and in many cases a meal for the holidays. Over the years, as CLC grew to represent Placer County and an additional 3,000 clients, so did the Adopt-A-Family program. Due to the incredible support of our community, loyal donors, and committed staff, the program has grown exponentially over the last 14 years.
In 2019 alone, CLC’s Adopt-A-Family Program brought gifts, warm clothing, food, and other essential items to nearly 1,000 children! The impact of the program is immeasurable as it provides a different type of comfort and support to children and families. The children who are referred to the Adopt-A-Family program are typically going through a particularly difficult time and have been removed from their homes at a time when others are spending time with family and friends.
In addition to advocating for children in the courtroom, CLC attorneys and staff make a one-day appearance at Children’s Court to distribute gifts to children who are in court during the holidays. Dressed as Santa, elves, and reindeer, CLC staff greet children, take photos, and allow them to choose an age-appropriate gift of their choice. The excitement of the day is evident in the faces of the children and caregivers who encounter Santa and his elves in the most unexpected of locations!
Despite the outpouring of generosity, the need for new toys, clothing, baby care items, and more increases each year. By donating new/unwrapped toys, clothing, books, baby care items, household items and gift cards, or by making a monetary donation, community members can continue to support our neediest clients. To learn more about how you can donate to CLC and make a difference in the life of a child, please contact Stephanie Talavera at talaveras@clcclal.org.
If you are a member of a news or media organization and need assistance, please contact the CLC’s development and communications team: gleavesa@clccal.org