Put
on Christmas Party for Foster Children
by Ryan Dedmon
On December 5th, 2009, over 400 foster children from throughout
The 400 foster children (ages 4-14yrs) were from different group homes
and foster homes throughout the county. Most of the children do not have
"family" that they can truly call their own. Since 1987, Athletes
& Entertainers for Kids, the parent company of 911 for Kids, has
organized annual Christmas events to help disadvantaged children celebrate the
holiday season.
This year, the children were invited to the Yard House Restaurant at the Irvine
Spectrum, where they participated in special activities designed to let them
experience the spirit and joy of the Christmas holiday season. As they
arrived, they were met by a variety of “entertainers”, including the 911
mascots, a magician, a clown, and several public service representatives.
Anaheim Police K9 Officer Brett Klevos and his K9 partner Guenther were outside
to meet and welcome the children. Officer
Klevos had his marked patrol unit parked in front of the restaurant giving the
children a chance to see a police car up-close. He answered questions
related to his K9 partner or his police car, and gave brief presentations on
obedience commands to which Guenther responds and acts.
Once inside the restaurant, the children were met by volunteers, including
several Anaheim Police Dispatchers. The dispatchers formed a group of
volunteers who were assigned to work different activity stations. The
children came to the stations and decorated cookies and cupcakes, made beaded
bracelets and necklaces, decorated Santa hats, painted canvas pictures, and gift
wrapped presents. “Watching
the kids faces light up with excitement while threading beads for a necklace or
decorating cookies made me feel good inside”, said Communications Supervisor
Yolanda Gonzales, who was one of the volunteers from Dispatch. “I knew I
could not change their (the kids) circumstances, but I was a part of providing
the kids with an afternoon of fun, entertainment, and gifts.”
At the end of the day, the children each received a present of their own and had
the opportunity to meet Kathy Ireland, Tim Brown, and Santa Clause.
The children all left with smiles and an unforgettable Christmas experience to
make them all feel special. Volunteers were left to cleanup the leftovers
of a Christmas party like no other, but each of them had smiles as well.
“On a daily
basis, we (dispatchers) deal with many things that can scar our outlook on the
world and people. These children gave us back a renewed spirit and the
belief that we can make a difference”, said Supervisor Gonzales. And in
today’s society when people are hard-pressed for time and money due to the
economic crisis, it is good to know the Christmas spirit of giving is still
alive and well to bring joy to all… just ask an Anaheim Dispatcher or one of
the 400 foster children.
Special thanks to the following Anaheim Police Personnel and friends for volunteering to brighten the lives of these disadvantaged children: Communications Manager Kurt Wallace, Supervisor Yolanda Gonzales and her son Explorer Rudy Gonzales, Supervisor John Carter, Dispatchers Sylvia Clark and her son Brandon, Maria Munoz and her son Explorer Rafael Munoz, Lesley Dibenedetto, Debbie Brown and her son Don and nephew Michael, Police Service Representative Ofelia Perez and her husband Bob, Communications Operator Ryan Dedmon, and K9 Officer Brett Klevos.