Business Chambers Lift Spirits of Foster Care Children in Pasadena

Pasadena, CA, December 19, 2008 --(PR.com)-- During the holidays, foster care children, who do not live with their parents, exhibit depression, a feeling of isolation, and despair. For those children served by Hillsides, a foster care children’s charity in Pasadena that also serves families in crisis living in Los Angeles County, they will see a brighter holiday with the help of Pasadena Chamber of Commerce and San Gabriel Valley Black Chamber of Commerce, who will lift their spirits on Christmas Day.

“Businesses have rallied support from their customers and employees to help Hillsides,” said Laura Kelso, director of community resources of the foster care charity. “We are so grateful to the business community for partnering with us to rebuild the lives of children who have suffered traumatic experiences early in their childhood.”

Over 33,000 children in Los Angeles County receive child welfare services. The foster care children’s charity in Pasadena serves 66 children in foster care or who suffer severe emotional disturbances. In addition, the children’s charity provides mental health support to over 4,300 children and family members living in Los Angeles County, including San Gabriel Valley.

The Pasadena Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual holiday mixer at Castle Green and encouraged members and guests to donate an unwrapped toy or gift to a child from Hillsides and another local foster care charity. In addition, San Gabriel Valley Black Chamber of Commerce held a mixer at Hillsides and asked their members to also fulfill the foster care children’s wishes.

“Choosing Hillsides campus for our mixer gives us an opportunity to network and, at the same, I know this is an extremely important time of the year for children,” said Sheree Curry, president of the San Gabriel Valley Black Chamber of Commerce.

Members and guests at the Pasadena Chamber of Commerce were greeted by Chamber Ambassadors, savored delicious hors d’oeuvres, and networked with other business members, while lifting the spirits of children in foster care.

To learn more how you can help children and families this holiday season, contact Laura Kelso at 323-254-2274. To learn more about the children’s charity, visit www.Hillsides.org and www.HillsidesEducationCenter.org.

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