Cheer Unwrapped at County Hospital by Breeanna Jent - City News Group, Inc.
View Upcoming Events View Your Local Sales

Community Calendar

◄ OCTOBER ►
S M T W T F S
27 28 29 30 01 02 03
04 05 06 07 08 09 10
11 12 13 14 15 16 17
18 19 20 21 22 23 24
25 26 27 28 29 30 31
View Events
Submit Events
directory

Cheer Unwrapped at County Hospital

By Breeanna Jent, Staff Writer
January 8, 2015 at 06:23pm. Views: 88

Arrowhead Regional Medical Center's hallways were filled with uniformed police officers as they made hand-deliveries to a few of the hospital's youngest patients. Children staying in the medical center's emergency department and outpatient care center were treated to wrapped toys donated by Rite Aid stores and candy while enjoying visits with Santa, who was escorted by members of the Colton Police Officer's Association on the morning of Dec. 23. But that's not where it stopped - children simply visiting the hospital were also treated to a free gift. "We touched so many in the surrounding communities," said officer Rich Randolph, president of the CPOA. "ARMC watched every point of entry and let us know if a child walked in via the radio. Patient or not, every child got a toy. Not only were there kids from Colton, but we gave to kids from Big Bear, from Victorville and from so many places." The annual event, known affectionately as Operation Giving, is a holiday tradition carried out by the officer's association that this Christmas saw its fourth anniversary. Over 80 toys were given to children at the hospital, purchased by CPOA officers and also donated by Rite Aid. "This is part of how we give back to a community we value," said Randolph. "We have a partnership with ARMC and we are very close with the staff." The pre-Christmas event kicked off with a briefing at the hospital before gifts were distributed, with breakfast provided by Leno's Ricos Tacos. Mayor Richard De La Rosa gave a brief speech to the crowd, consisting of CPOA officers, several other City Council members and ARMC officials. In an email sent to city directors and ARMC officials following the event, Mayor De La Rosa addressed the CPOA, saying, "Operation Giving has made our city proud. Your professional presence along with kindness, caring attitude to the children and parents at ARMC was well received by the public and media. Thank you for making a child smile and 'setting the bar.'" Additionally, the CPOA donates Christmas trees and gifts to families in need in the community. The families are typically recommended by CPOA officers who make their rounds in the community, but this year was slightly different when the police union donated to Wendy Amaya and her five children, Randolph explained. "Wendy called us up and asked if she could be a part of Operation Giving this year. I said, 'Yeah, do you know a family?' and she said, 'Yes, mine,'" Randolph said. "She has five children and they all got full-on Santa wish lists. They each got the toys they wanted."

Related Articles

Photo Courtesy of: TME Photography by Titan Mom Elvira

By Titan Mom Elvira, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 12:47pm. Views: 544

A quote that inspires Escess comes from the late basketball legend Kobe Bryant: “The moment you give up is the moment you let someone else win.” To learn more about Escess Coony and his philosophy…

Photo Courtesy of: https://www.grandterrace-ca.gov/government/elected_officials/city_council

By Hattie Strong, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 622

Councilman Doug Wilson, serving Grand Terrace and seeking another term in the November 2026 election, read more about him and his values.

Photo Courtesy of: Margie Miller

By Margie Miller, Publisher, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:46am. Views: 545

Timber Ridge Steakhouse brings a familiar landmark back to life in San Bernardino, welcoming diners to enjoy hearty meals, warm hospitality and a locally operated dining experience. Step inside and read more below about the people and vision behind Timber Ridge’s newest chapter.

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By Ruby Stephenson, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 338

Hope, strength and community come together during Breast Cancer Awareness Month as survivors, families and supporters wear pink to remind others that early detection can save lives. Learn about the warning signs, screening and simple steps that could make a life-saving difference—read more below.

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By William Cortez, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 567

San Bernardino is putting local business in the spotlight as entrepreneurs, business owners and community leaders prepare to connect, share ideas and discover new opportunities for growth. See how the upcoming Business Summit could help shape the city’s economic future, read more below.

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By Stella Pierce, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 725

Colorful traditions, music and dance come alive during Hispanic Heritage Month as communities across the Inland Empire celebrate the generations of Hispanic and Latino residents who have helped shape our region. Discover the stories, culture and contributions behind this month-long celebration—read more below.

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By William Cortez, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 692

Young readers made a splash during the County Library’s 2026 Summer Reading Program, discovering new books, building reading skills and celebrating a summer filled with learning and imagination. Read more below to see how local readers made waves this summer.

Photo Courtesy of:

By William Cortez, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 824

Moreno Valley residents of all ages can turn their time and talents into meaningful community impact, with volunteer opportunities that bring neighbors together while helping keep the city clean, connected and thriving. Read more below to see how volunteering gives residents a chance to take an active role in the community they call home.

Photo Courtesy of:

By Ruby Stephenson, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 558

Photo Courtesy of: City of Moreno Valley

By Ruby Stephenson, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 497

Lady, a two-year-old, female white Shepard mix who is is a sweet easygoing girl who enjoys being around people and making new friends.
Could Lady be the one you’ve been waiting for? Stop by the shelter and meet your new best friend.

Photo Courtesy of: Kaiser Permanente

By Carol Soudah, Contributing Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 786

Dozens of volunteers from Kaiser Permanente and its partners at Casa Blanca Home of Neighborly Service, a non-profit organization that services families in Riverside County. The one-day project strengthened the nonprofit’s ability to serve local families by improving community spaces, expanding capacity for the programs and resources local families rely on throughout the year, read more to find out how you can help.

Photo Courtesy of: Feeding America Riverside San Bernardino

By Rachel Bonilla, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 384

Since 2014, the Fight Hunger. Spark Change. campaign has helped generate more than $245 million for Feeding America and local partner food banks across the country and has helped secure more than 2.4 billion meals* for people facing hunger. A volunteer packs food boxes for families in need, helping local hunger-relief organizations provide nutritious meals and essential resources to neighbors throughout the Inland Empire.

--> -->