HHS team shares holiday donation opportunities for children, animals in need

Published Nov. 3, 2025

As the season of giving begins, Placer County Health and Human Services is highlighting a few opportunities to support local families and animals in need.

First,the Placer County Older Adults Advisory Commission is holding a drive to provide stuffed toys for first responders to give to people they encounter during traumatic situations. Contributions of new stuffed animals can be dropped off from Nov. 1 through 30 at more than fifteen locations across the county. More information can be found in the attached flyer.

Each year, Placer County also works to collect gifts for foster children and other children served by HHS. Each child is asked what they'd like and then the request is notated on a tag. For the third year, The Goularte Group is helping organize the drive for Placer County. Those interested in purchasing gifts for local foster children can visit this website to select a child and sign up. A holiday event will take place Dec. 13 at the Loomis Train Depot, 5775 Horseshoe Bar Road. Unwrapped gift donations will be collected from donors at that time, and holiday celebrations will take place. More information is available at www.holidaymiracleprogram.com.

Finally, donations are greatly appreciated at the Placer County Animal Services shelter, which will have a giving tree available in the lobby starting in December. The tree will have tags for suggested items for shelter animals. Information about monetary donations and general wish lists are also available on the PCAS website.

"Year after year, our community's generosity shines," said Dr. Rob Oldham, director of Health and Human Services. "That spirit of giving brightens the holidays for families and pets throughout Placer County."