Community Outreach Ministry Celebrates 25 Years of Giving at Annual Angel Tree Christmas Party

Media Contact:
Community Outreach Ministry Director Dr. Mona Salomo-Davies
Telephone: 951-698-7650 | Mobile: 951-231-5515
Email: daviesmmd1@gmail.com
Website: www.communityoutreachministry.org
Photos: Courtesy of Community Outreach 

By Anthony O’Leary

Community Outreach Ministry Celebrates 25 Years of Giving at Annual Angel Tree Christmas Party

Event Date: Saturday, December 13, 2025 | 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Location: Gateway Nazarene Church Parking Lot - Murrieta, CA

Murrieta, CA — Community Outreach Ministry (COM) invites the community to join in celebrating the season of giving at its 25th Annual Angel Tree Christmas Party on Saturday, December 13, 2025. The celebration will take place from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Gateway Nazarene Church, featuring a day filled with holiday joy, family activities, and recognition of the youth and partners who make this mission possible.

For a quarter century, COM has served children of incarcerated parents, coordinating gifts and mentorship opportunities to ensure every child feels valued and supported during the holidays. In collaboration with partners such as the US Forest Service, Vista Community Clinic, Riverside County Probation, Camp Agape,and Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District, this year’s event promises to be one of the most memorable yet.

A special feature this year is the “Gearing Up for STEM” Mentor Protégé Workshop, sponsored by Riverside County Probation, where teens ages 14–18 will assemble and take home their own model spaceships. The free workshop runs from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., helping youth explore creativity and engineering while encouraging teamwork and curiosity in STEM fields.

Other event highlights include games, art stations, cookie decorating, music, and a special visit from Smokey the Bear and local firefighters. Guests will enjoy lunch provided by Applebee’s and Gateway volunteers, with entertainment from the Gateway Spanish Worship Team led by Susie Irbe.

This year’s celebration will also feature a special recognition for US Forest Service Firefighter Kevin Ferris and his team, who have mentored local youth about firefighting careers and the importance of education, perseverance, and positive life choices.

Dr. Mona and Bob Davies, co-founders of Community Outreach Ministry, shared their gratitude for the program’s ongoing impact. “Over the past 25 years, we’ve watched our Angel Tree youth grow up, graduate high school, enter college, serve in the military, and begin meaningful careers. Their success stories are the heart of what we do.”

Families are referred through Angel Tree, Riverside County 211, local schools, and other agencies, with COM ensuring that each child receives a gift on behalf of their incarcerated parent. While volunteer positions are filled, sponsors are still welcome to help support this life-changing outreach.

To view highlights from previous Christmas celebrations, visit the Publications & Videos section of our website or watch our 2024 Angel Tree Christmas Party video here:

https://vimeo.com/showcase/7944230?video=1048035965