FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tulare County Probation donates stockings to homeless living in five major areas

Tulare County, CA – Tulare County Probation Department held the 5th Annual Stockings for the Homeless event. Every year staff fill stockings with everyday necessities and provide them to our local homeless. Items in the stockings include, but are not limited to hats, socks, gloves, non-perishable foods, toiletries, hygiene products, etc.

“Many of our Probation Officers work with persons experiencing homeless on a daily basis, assisting them with employment, treatment, and other resources,” Interim Chief Probation Officer, LeAnne Williams, said. “Our staff see first-hand the many needs and difficulties our clients face, so to give back to our community through Holiday stockings is incredibility rewarding. We hope events like these can bridge a positive relationship between law enforcement and those experiencing homelessness.”

Staff hand delivered the stockings to five different areas (Visalia, Tulare, Porterville, Dinuba/Cutler/Orosi, and Strathmore/Lindsay/Woodville), often traveling to homeless encampments and parks, to find those in need of a bit of relief during the Holiday season. Select stockings carried items for women, pets, and children.

For Tulare County Probation Officer, Nereida Verduzco, handing out stockings every year is a fulfilling experience. Many of the clients on her caseload are homeless, and this event allows her to deliver stockings to some of the clients she supervises.

“As a Probation Officer, working with our unhoused population has been both a valuable and rewarding experience. Being able to bring them a small amount of joy when providing them with a stocking is extremely gratifying,” Verduzco said. “I have the opportunity to interact with this vulnerable population and I enjoy getting to know the members of our community.”

Every year this event continues to be a success and great way for Tulare County Probation staff to come together in support of our local community. Winters are already tough for our homeless, but we hope to offer them a bit of relief during the Holiday season.

About Tulare County Probation Department

The Tulare County Probation Department was established in 1908 and provides a multi-dimensional approach to community safety.  We are committed to an evidence-based approach to public safety that promotes positive behavior change.

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