EAST LOS ANGELES : Families Program Needs Donations

The Latino Family Preservation Program, an effort started by the county Department of Children’s Services to keep families intact and out of the foster care system, needs donations of Christmas toys, food and money for its third annual Christmas party.

The party will be held Dec. 21 at the program’s offices, 2501 Davidson Drive. Food baskets, toys and a visit from Santa Claus will be provided for 400 children in the program.

The Latino Family Preservation Program serves East Los Angeles, Boyle Heights and City Terrace, areas where a high number of children are referred for emergency shelter and foster care, said Director Alfonso Garcia.

“There are very poor kids in this area, so we are trying to have a very nice and significant day for them this Christmas,” Garcia said. “The kids really enjoy it. It’s something they really look forward to.”

Part of the task of the social workers and therapists who work with the families in crisis is to make sure basic needs are met, such as help with paying an electric bill or getting food in the cupboard. The program is currently helping 1,200 children in 400 families, Garcia said.

“We try to keep some of the emergency needs from disrupting family life,” he said.

In 1993, the program worked with more than 1,000 children. Garcia believes many would have gone into foster care if not for counseling, emergency food and parent education provided by its social workers.

Toys, food and money may be donated by calling Garcia at (213) 260-3120 or staff assistant Caroline Rodriguez at (213) 260-3160.