POST-ANGEL TREE PRESS RELEASE
February 15, 2026

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

By Anthony O’Leary

A Glorious Celebration Honoring Community Outreach Ministry’s

25th Anniversary and Angel Tree Christmas Party

Murrieta, CA — On Saturday, December 13, 2025, Community Outreach Ministry (COM) marked a milestone moment with its 25th Anniversary and Angel Tree Christmas Party, bringing together families, youth, community leaders, and partners for a morning of celebration, recognition, and hope at Gateway Church of the Nazarene in Murrieta. COM is obliged to Pastor Cory Miller and Spanish Pastor Eliel and Renee Morales for furnishing us with the use of the sanctuary, parking lot, and church volunteers. Praises also to COM’s Angel Tree team Janice Hare for contacting the families year-round inviting them to on-going events for the families, Johnna Hose for registering families and Ankoma Hose for passing out gifts to the children.

The event served children ages 1-18 with incarcerated parents from Southwest Riverside County. Many referred through Angel Tree a program of Prison Fellowship, Riverside County 211, schools, and partner agencies. For 25 years, approximately 4000+ children have received 8000+ gifts for these children to know they are not forgotten during the holidays. Instead they are being provided with gifts on behalf of their incarcerated parents while surrounding families with encouragement and resources. Angel Tree’s Karin Arango a Church Recruitment Manager and Church Mobilization had some kind words to say about us. “Community Outreach Ministry has been a blessing to many children and families. Angel Tree Program especially loves when churches like yours reaches out to families throughout the year and invites them in. Families need the hope found in the Gospel, and that happens best when they connect with a local church.”

Support from County of Riverside Board of Supervisors Karen Spiegel Supervisor (Second District) and Chuck Washington Supervisor (Third District) played a vital role with contributions for warm clothing and food for the children. Their continued recognition and advocacy reflects the County’s commitment to uplifting and embracing at-risk youth to feel accepted and a sense of belonging, strengthening community basedorganization solutions that create real pathways forward with an emphasis on breaking cycles of illiteracy, poverty, crime and incarceration. While enhancing education with tutoring, mentoring, and camping programs empowering youth to complete high school and connecting teens to Youth Opportunity Centers (YOC) for skills development, training, and on the job experience to become self-sufficient.

The morning began outdoors as Dr. Mona Davies, Coach Bob Davies, and team welcomed partners, sponsors, and volunteers and coordinated event setup. Families were greeted by an interactive and festive atmosphere featuring community partners including the United States Forest Service, where Kevin Ferris Facilitator, firefighters team and Smokey Bear—have mentored these partygoers for over 15 years. Their long-standing commitment to career mentoring and positive life choices was recognized with awards presented during the program.

COM is grateful for the Riverside County Probation Department (RCPD) Chief Christopher Wright and his Southwest Riverside Probation Division Director Jason Beam and team for donating Christmas gifts, and sending a group of officers to the party to display their fascinating vehicles for the families to tour and observe show and tell demonstrations. Also for brightening up the day by playing Christmas Carols in the parking lot. 

Additional partners filled the parking lot with services, resources, and hands-on activities. Dean-Paul Bao RDH Director of Dental Operations Vista Community Clinic (VCC) provided dental and health outreach through its dental mobile unit. The team gave tours of the mobile and explained to the families about exams, cleanings, preventative screenings, and fluoride varnish for children to prevent decay or reverse tooth decay. 

Camp Agape, represented by Albert and Beth Canul, created an interest list for potential Angel Tree campers to receive Prison Fellowship scholarships for youth ages 7–17. Summer camp is scheduled over the Labor Day holiday for 3 nights and 4 days where the campers have fun playing, sports, learning teaming skills, singing and hearing Gods Word to grow spiritually while learning God has a purpose and a plan for good for their lives.

Creativity and joy were woven throughout the day as the Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District Public Affairs delivered plants  and flowerpots for the kids to decorate using colored marker kits to take home.Sewing Stories founder Cynthia K. Duran guided children in making Christmas cards for their loved ones,and volunteers Hedy H. Dembowski and Emily Stitt helped guide children to decorate sugar cookies using icing tubes; simple moments that carried deep meaning.

The indoor program opened with a presentation of colors by Denise Gregory’s Angels, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by Coach Bob Davies and a National Anthem tribute. Worship leaders Sal Soriano, Susie Irbe, and Elvia Bucio filled the sanctuary with O Come Let us Adore Him, Joy to the World, and O Holy Night Christmas Carols followed by Janice Hare, welcoming the families and blessing them with a prayer.

Another highlight of the program was the recognition of teen milestones—living proof of COM’s long-term impact. High school graduates were honored for earning their diplomas, including Jesiyah Lewis Eugene Neal, now enlisted in the U.S. Army; Theron Ellis, pursuing a mechanical career; Esabella Estrella, pursuing Criminal Justice at University of LaVerne (not present), and Darren Cascario, pursing Electrical Engineering at Chapman University (not present). Anthony Neal-Long, a Titan Football player at Temescal Canyon High School was recognized for academic and athletic excellence, including being the recipient of the year 2025/2026 Receiver of the Year award. He has also received Football Varsity Letter Awards for 2023 - 2026.

Cheers to Applebee’s Murrieta, team for hosting their spectacular signature burgers and fries led by Training General Manager Lauren Stephenson. This was a glorious reward and special dining experience the kids will cherish in their hearts. Kudos to Dalia Smith a long time sponsor of the most delicious festive cupcakes. 

COM’s success is also attributed to our board members for their leadership promoting the ministry’s mission: Yolanda Burgess, Denise Ronzello, Norma Brunette, and Marilyn Brown. As COM reflects on 25 years of service, the Angel Tree Christmas Party stands as a testament to what sustained partnership can achieve. With support from elected leaders, community sponsors, and volunteers.

A shout out to State of California Senate Senator Kelly Seyarto 32nd District for gifting COM, and their partners, sponsors, and volunteers with Certificates of Appreciation for its 25th Anniversary mission to support at-risk children in the County of Riverside helping them to become winners and champions.

When you give to COM’s cause you are impacting these kids lives with hope for a prosperous future. To be a part of making a difference in the lives of these children we welcome you to give online by visiting us at www.communityoutreachministry.org or mail a check to Community Outreach Ministry, 23905 Clinton Keith Road Suite 114 #116, Wildomar, CA. 92595. You can contact us at 951-698-7650 office, or 951-231-5515 mobile or email info@communityoutreachministry.org.