Merced DCSS Elves Bring Holiday Cheer to Families in Crisis

The holiday season is a time for giving, reflecting upon struggles and being thankful for blessings. This year, the Merced County Department of Child Support Services (DCSS)  donated to families receiving services from Valley Crisis Center, which provides services to people in Merced County affected by domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking. Twenty-three people, including eight families with young children, were identified as victims of human trafficking. Between Thanksgiving and Christmas, the elves of Merced DCSS generously donated and wrapped new items to cover all of the gifts on the wish lists provided by the individuals and families, including tablets, bicycles, clothes, shoes, coats, blankets, toys and much more. In addition to the gifts, staff donated more than 100 pounds of beans and rice to help contribute staples to each family's pantry. Thanks to the caring and heartfelt generosity of the staff from Merced County DCSS, these fragile families will have a little Christmas joy.

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Sharon Wardale-Trejo
Director
Merced DCSS