Organized by the Department of Child, Family and Adult Services, the Gifts from the Heart program relies on the generosity of volunteers and donors. Photo courtesy of Sacramento County

SACRAMENTO COUNTY, CA (MPG) - ​​​​Santa’s helpers are now working year-round in Sacramento County. Gifts from the Heart is expanding to accept donations and volunteer applications throughout the year.

The program has helped make a difference in the lives of thousands of local children, teens and adults for 36 years. Organized by the Department of Child, Family and Adult Services, this program relies on the generosity of volunteers and donors. Since 1988, volunteers and donors have provided gifts to thousands through the program. 

“It is amazing. I think the joy of watching the kids open the gifts (before Christmas) is the best experience. The kids we work with sometimes have never had a Christmas and are overjoyed when they get a bag full of gifts or a bike,” said Gifts from the Heart volunteer and Department of Child, Family and Adult Services Permanency social worker Erika Patterson. 

Patterson started volunteering with Gifts from the Heart five years ago and hasn’t stopped. “If you aren’t the best gift wrapper, no worries,” Patterson said, because there are plenty of ways to help. 

“Donors are always so appreciated because kids all deserve to know what it is like to open gifts on Christmas morning and remember that feeling of happiness playing with their new toys. Department of Child, Family and Adult Services children would not know this feeling without the generous donations of the donors,” Patterson said.

While Patterson primarily works with children and teens, Gifts from the Heart also serves the needs of adult clients in Sacramento County. As the program and the county grow, so does the need for gifts for all ages.

If you’re interested in volunteering or learning more, email [email protected]. You can also find information about donating to the Gifts from the Heart Brochure at www.saccounty.gov/news/latest-news.