Help Lift Up Local Families: PSUSD Calls for Community Giving Day Donations

Palm Springs Unified School District is gearing up for its fifth annual Community Giving Day, a holiday event designed to support district families in need.

The event, hosted by the district’s Family Engagement Center in collaboration with The PSUSD Foundation, provides gifts, resources and festive activities for hundreds of local families. More than 500 families are expected to attend this year’s celebration.

For students like Palm Springs High School junior Gavin Galaviz, the event has made a lasting impact.

“It just gave me hope. Even if you're struggling, there’s always going to be people out there that will help you,” Galaviz said. He added that attending the event inspired him to volunteer last year. “It's not always about receiving, but giving too.”

His sister, Madison Galaviz, also a Palm Springs High School student, said the experience is uplifting. “It feels really supportive… you feel overwhelmed by joy,” she said.

This year’s Community Giving Day will feature food vendors, live music, family activities, local resources and a visit from Santa Claus.

Million Essex, a Family and Community Engagement Specialist with PSUSD, said the meaning of the day goes far beyond the festivities.

“Sometimes families don’t always have a voice. They’re not always seen,” Essex said. “Coming to Community Giving Day, you can see that they’re being seen, heard and included. That’s what this is about.”

The district is asking community members to donate new, unopened gift items to help ensure every child attends with something to take home. Donations can be dropped off at the front office of any PSUSD school or the Palm Springs or Desert Hot Springs Family Engagement Centers by Dec. 10 or made online through the PSUSD Foundation.

Local businesses and organizations are also invited to host booths at the event. They can register here. 

“Everybody’s invited, and we just really want to spread love that day,” Essex said.

Community Giving Day will take place Saturday, Dec. 20, from 9 a.m. to noon at the Palm Springs High School football field. The event is free and open to the public.