The Rescue Mission would like to thank the Merced County Educational Services Sunshine group who collected 200 wrapped gifts, nearly 100 pairs of socks and 10 blankets for the children of Merced County during this year’s Shoeboxes for Kids gift drive.

Every year, the gift drive invites staff at the Department of Education to donate gift items for children in the community. Gifts are then distributed to children for the holidays at the Rescue Mission’s Christmas Banquet.

Shoeboxes were prepared and wrapped by students from Hilmar Unified School District, who donated 500 socks from their holiday sock drive.

Thanks again to the Sunshine group for their generous efforts to help needy children in our community have a happy Christmas. The group is composed of Heather Woody, Ceci Perez, Elmira Mello and Sandra Betschart.

Pictured: MCOE staff Odessa Osby, Mary Louro and Elira Mello prepare gifts at the 8th Annual Shoeboxes for Kids gift drive.