Brighter Christmas for CWS children

Hundreds of abused or neglected children throughout Tulare County had a brighter Christmas thanks to the generosity of local communities contributing to the success of Tulare County Child Welfare Services and Friends of Tulare County’s annual “Brighten a Child’s Winter Sky” Toy Drive.

During December, all Tulare County children involved in CWS, due to abuse or neglect, received toys donated and wrapped by volunteers.

The 2012 CWS Toy Drive received generous toy contributions from Tulare County Board of Supervisors, Bikers United for Kids, Gay Visalia, Pirates for Hope, Tulare County Alliance of African American Women, Tulare County Sheriff Correctional Deputies-Honoring Shirley Reed, the Sierra Trail K-9 Competition-Tulare County and Visalia Police Department K-9 Units, St. Johns Church of Porterville, CWS social workers, the Inez Simoes’ Women’s Bowling League Team and the Tulare House of Love Church.

Other donating partners include the Tulare Walmart, Visalia Walmart, HHSA staff, local foundation grants, faith-based organizations, civic groups, private businesses, insurance companies, sole proprietors and individuals. In addition, Jim’s Formal Wear donated collection boxes for the 50 collection sites. Every CWS child receives gifts during the holidays due to the committed community partnerships with businesses, community members and government agencies, organizers said.

“‘Brighten a Child’s Winter Sky’ toy drive would not be possible without the wonderful support of our community partners,” said Juliet Webb, Deputy Director of Child Welfare Services. “We are humbled by the generosity of local organizations, charities and individuals in our community who reach into their hearts and wallets to provide gifts for children in the child welfare system each year.”