Spending the holidays in a shelter can be especially hard on children experiencing homelessness. To uplift children and youth experiencing homelessness in the San Bernardino County area and spread holiday joy (and gifts), San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools Children Deserve Success Homeless Education Department hosted its 20th annual SBCSS CDS Holiday Celebration on Dec. 12.

San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools Ted Alejandre spoke to attendees at the event. In partnership with Salvation Army Hospitality House, Time for Change, Mary’s Haven, and Elks Lodge #836 in San Bernardino, children from newborns to 18 years old and their families enjoyed dinner, face painting, balloon animals, music, a visit from Santa Claus, and gifts from their wishlists.

The Holiday Celebration started off small in 2004 only serving 25 youth. It has now grown to support and brighten the holidays for more than 100 children. According to SBCSS, more than 30,000 youth are experiencing homelessness in San Bernardino County, a number that is likely much higher because students are not always identified in the school system, and the number of unaccompanied youths has increased as well.