The students at the La Cañada Flintridge Community Center Preschool are experiencing the joy of giving this holiday season by adopting three patients’ families from Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles through the Holidays from the Heart program. The preschool has participated in the program for 12 years.

The preschoolers are collecting an array of clothing, presents and gift certificates for each of the families in need. A Christmas “giving tree” has been placed in the courtyard of the preschool and children were encouraged to select an ornament with a specific request from each of the family members.

“These families are faced with the tremendous financial and emotional challenge of caring for a chronically ill child,” said Danielle Caputo, director of LCF Community Center Preschool. “Not only are we helping to make the holiday season a joyful time for these families, but we are also providing our preschoolers the opportunity to learn about the importance of helping those in need.”

The effort is being coordinated this year by preschool parents Katy Ireland and Stephanie Richards. Volunteers from the preschool wrapped the donated items and delivered the gifts to Children’s Hospital on Tuesday.  Despite the current economy, support from the preschool for the program has been tremendous, say organizers.