Every year during Christmas, families have their own traditions.

Some gather in their living rooms to watch a special movie. Others whip up batches of cookies from Grandma’s traditional oatmeal spice recipe. Even family games can be a fun way to bring each other together for the holidays.

Community Outreach Ministry (COM) knows all about traditions and how much people look forward to them.

"We run around like chickens with our heads cut off through shopping malls," said Lindsay Shepardson, a mentor for the program.

COM, a nonprofit in Wildomar dedicated to helping underprivileged children of imprisoned parents, will be holding their 8th annual Angel Tree Christmas Party.

At the party, the children will be treated to a puppet show, wrapped gifts, lunch and other fun activities.

The celebration will be on Dec. 13 from noon to 1 p.m. at the Elks Lodge #2591 at 33700 Mission Trail in Wildomar.

The Elks are donating their brand new facility for COM’s most significant annual event.

"We think, ‘Oh yeah, I should donate something, so my conscience will feel safe on Christmas morning,’" added Shepardson. "Is this year different? Our president promoted the word ‘change’ in his campaign, so shouldn’t that mean this Christmas should be different, a ‘changed’ Christmas? How can we change a Christmas for someone this year? Every Christmas thousands of children have a tradition too, waking up to the reminder they have a parent in prison. They are already reminded daily of this painful burden, Advertisement

[ Chatton and Associates ] but at Christmas it is intensified."

COM would like to remind the children that family ties are stronger than prison bars.

Although, these children may not have a parent present in their daily life, with a little extra help, they can have a community that will stand firmly behind them this Christmas.

Support a prisoner’s child this year by picking up an angel tree tag and donating a toy at one of the following drop-off sites:

• Dr. Chapton - Walsh Medical, 25405 Hancock, Ste. 213, Murrieta. (951) 677-4188.

• Wells Fargo Bank, 31564 Grape St., Lake Elsinore. (951) 245-7523.

• Gables at Oak Creek, 24875 Prielipp Road, Wildomar. (951) 600-9696.

• Curves, 40635 California Oaks Road, Ste. A, Murrieta. (951) 600-9229.

• Curves, 26900 Newport Road, Ste. 103, Menifee. (951) 672-9994.

• Curves, 300 S. Highland Springs, Ste. 10A, Banning. (951) 769-8887.

• Fitness 19, 23877 Clinton Keith, Ste. 2, Wildomar. (951) 445-1903.

• Massage Envy, 39400 Murrieta Hot Springs Road, Ste. 114B, Murrieta. (951) 698-2888.

• Massage Envy, 32909 Temecula Pkwy, Ste. 105, Temecula. (951) 302-6002.

• Massage Envy, 23855 Clinton Keith Road, Ste. 1, Wildomar. (951) 677-7781.

• Mission Trail Library, 34303 Mission Trail, Wildomar. (951) 471-3855.

• Murrieta Beauty Salon, 25030 Hancock, Ste. 110, Murrieta. (951) 677-1379.

• Wildomar Chamber of Commerce, 33751 Mission Trail, Wildomar. (951) 245-0437.

COM appreciates the community’s participation through sponsorships of gifts, food, and volunteering.

To sign up as a volunteer, call (951) 698-7650 or contact COM at info@communityoutreachministry.org. The program’s Web site is www.communityoutreachministry.org.