On December 17, several employees from Southern California Gas Company including the facilities department at its Pico Rivera training facility threw a holiday party for children who reside at Hillsides Residential Treatment Services in Pasadena. Employees transformed the recreational room at Hillsides into a magical holiday setting, with a beautiful Christmas tree, poinsettias, and tables full of gifts and baked goods.

During the event, children nibbled on delicious cookies, brownies, and marshmallow pops, made gingerbread men, took photos in a photo booth, and played games. They won tickets for each game, which they were then able to turn in for prizes at the prize booth. Children also received a gift bag full of gift cards and gifts and a present personally selected for them off their holiday wish lists by the volunteers.

“The SoCalGas volunteers are amazing,” said Laura Kelso, Hillsides director of community resources. “They came hours early and worked hard to create a beautiful holiday setting for the party. Making the event even more meaningful was that there was one volunteer per child. Each child was able to receive a lot of individual attention, which is so important for the children especially during this time of year when many are feeling the pain of being separated from their families.”

Southern California Gas Company is a subsidiary of Sempra Energy. “Through our Season of Giving Program, the Sempra Energy Foundation supports the dedication of its employees in the Sempra family of companies – and this includes Southern California Gas Company employees who contribute their time and talent to charitable organizations in their communities during the holidays. We’re proud to support our SoCalGas employees who provided a holiday celebration for the children and staff at Hillsides,” said Beatriz Palomino Young, executive director of the Sempra Energy Foundation.

Hillsides Residential Treatment Services provide a safe and stable environment where children and youths who cannot live at home, have suffered trauma, or have emotional or behavioral challenges, can thrive. Hillsides, which was established over 100 years ago and serves children and families throughout Los Angeles County, provides high quality care, advocacy, and innovative services that promote safe permanent environments where young people can thrive. For more information on Hillsides, please visit www.hillsides.org.

Southern California Gas Co. has been delivering clean, safe and reliable natural gas to its customers for more than 140 years. It is the nation’s largest natural gas distribution utility, providing service to 21 million consumers connected through more than 5.8 million meters in more than 500 communities. The company’s service territory encompasses approximately 20,000 square miles throughout Central and Southern California, from Visalia to the Mexican border. For more information on the Southern California Gas Co. please visit www.socalgas.com.