CITRUS HEIGHTS, CA (MPG) - The Citrus Heights Police Department is proud to announce the 16th annual Family Gifting Event.

We will once again be partnering with city staff, volunteers, local service clubs, schools, neighborhoods, businesses and community members to brighten the holidays for numerous Citrus Heights families. This annual event focuses on bringing holiday cheer to families who reside in Citrus Heights, who have had an unexpected hardship throughout the course of the year, and who have at least one child under the age of 13.

Since the program's beginning, the Citrus Heights Police Department has worked with a myriad of city groups, service clubs, businesses, nonprofit organizations, schools and community members to assist more than 651 families, including more than 4,000 community members. 

This unique community-involved program was created to help families who have experienced a hardship or critical event in their lives over the past year that has caused a significant change in their financial abilities. The program provides participating families with food, household items and toys/clothes for the children. We rely heavily on the community to help make this effort a success. Participation can include the donation of new and unwrapped items, adopting a family, volunteering or all of the above. 

Community members can donate or nominate a family who needs assistance. To nominate a family for consideration, a “Family Gifting Event - Family Nomination Form” must be completed. Applications can be submitted online at www.citrusheightspd.net or in person at Citrus Heights Police Department through 5 p.m. Monday, Dec. 2. Nomination criteria and submission information can be found on the website and the application itself. 

Donations of non-perishable food items, cleaning supplies, personal hygiene items, new unwrapped toys, gift wrap and gift-wrapping supplies can be dropped off in the Citrus Heights Police Department lobby during normal business hours between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.  Monday through Friday. We are currently accepting donations and will do so through 4 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 17. Gift cards and monetary donations will also be accepted and can be dropped off or mailed to the Citrus Heights Police Department with attention to the Holiday Cheer Coordinator. 

If you would like to adopt a family, make a donation, or have questions regarding the program, email [email protected] or call 916-727-4988.