SOLEDAD — Soledad Police Department hosted its 2025 Cops Giving Tree event earlier this month, spreading hope and generosity to local children and families in need during the holiday season.
Held at the Soledad Community Center on Dec. 12, the annual tradition brought the community together in the spirit of giving, ensuring that every child represented on the tree felt “seen, valued and supported,” according to the department.
More than 80 pre-selected families received Christmas meals and gifts thanks to the combined efforts of Soledad Police and its partners, including Salinas Valley State Prison, Correctional Training Facility, Soledad Unified School District and the Soledad Community Center.
“The Cops Giving Tree represents the very best of our community — compassion, unity and the desire to lift one another up,” said Soledad Police Chief Patrick Valenzuela. “Every meal served and every gift donated reflects the generosity that defines Soledad, especially during the holiday season.”
The goal of Cops Giving Tree is to “ensure local children and families experience a meaningful and supported holiday season, and to strengthen community bonds through generosity, partnership and shared compassion,” stated the department.
And this year’s event did just that, as organizers said families had an “unforgettable, fun evening.”
