Desert Mountain Children’s Center marks 10th anniversary for Community Closet and Resource Fair
Staff Reports
While many folks were buying hot dog buns or loading up the car with camping gear on the Friday of Memorial Day weekend, the dedicated employees of the Desert Mountain Children’s Center were busy doing what they do best: Serving the needs of children and their families.
For the last decade, employees have rallied together collecting thousands of gently used household items and clothing they offer for free to their clients during this annual event at the Desert/Mountain Educational Services Center, 18700 Highway 18 in Apple Valley.
Attendees also enjoyed free haircuts, treats, games and prize raffles. Some of the raffle prizes included a children’s bicycle and scooter. There was plentiful information and access to dozens of valuable community resources such as job fairs, free phones and additional health services.
Expressions of joy and gratitude from recipients could be heard throughout the room which was filled wall-to-wall with donations. Employees of the CAHELP who joined together to volunteer during the event, took special care to ensure that each person’s individual needs were met.
“I know we have a lady here who is expecting a girl, I have to find her,” Elizabeth Keagy-Myers, an Intervention Specialist said after finding a pink baby mobile among the sea of donations.
May 27 marked a milestone 10th anniversary for this event.
“Our employees and the families we serve look forward to this event every year," Program Technician Reina Robles said, "and we plan to continue for many more.”
The DMCC is administered by the California Association of Health and Education Linked Professionals (CAHELP), a Joint Powers Authority public education consortium of school districts and charter schools. Comprising caring professionals who meet the needs of children from age birth to 22 year, the DMCC provides an array of counseling and mental health services.