Moreno Valley Police Department Brings 23rd Annual Holiday Cheer Celebration

MORENO VALLEY>> On Thursday, Dec. 15, 2016, the Moreno Valley Police Department, Community Services Unit hosted the 23rd Annual Operation Holiday Cheer Celebration Dinner at the Moreno Valley Recreation Center Grand Valley Ballroom. The outreach program is intended to brighten the lives of children and adults in the community during the holiday season. The support on the part of Moreno Valley businesses, local residents and civic leaders enabled 46 families, consisting of 158 kids and 63 adults, to attend a catered holiday party complete with food, gifts, entertainment, games and other festivities. Representatives from the Home Depot, 12255 Pigeon Pass Road, Moreno Valley and the Moreno Valley Chapter of Soroptomist International assisted the children in attendance with a craft project. Saboree Catering & Events, 12630 Perris Boulevard, Moreno Valley, provided the meal for the families in attendance. Santa also arrived and provided gifts to the families in attendance. The success of this program relied heavily on the generous donations in the form of money, gift cards, new and unopened toys and non-perishable food items. Officers used the donations to purchase gifts for children as well as provide holiday meals and care packages for each family. The Moreno Valley Police Department said they would like to say “Thank You” to the many community partners and volunteers who made this event possible. "The event gave the Moreno Valley Police Department the opportunity to share a special experience with the children and their families under a positive set of circumstances," Sergeant Melvin Rasmussen said. "Rarely are we able to exchange the smiles and laughter experienced during this event with the community we serve. A special thank you goes out to the Moreno Valley community partners for the heartfelt assistance provided through their donations, cooperation and commitment to the community. Without their efforts this event would not be possible."