October 15, 2026

Contact: Dr. Mona Salomo-Davies
Community Outreach Ministry Director
Telephone: Office 951-803-5776 Mobile 951-231-5515
Email: info@communityoutreachministry.org
Website: www.communityoutreachministry.org

Haircut-A-Thon Fundraiser Brings Hope, Christmas Gifts, and Support to Local Children of Incarcerated Parents

Community Outreach Ministry thanks generous sponsors, hair stylists, and community donors for helping local “at-promise” children experience love, encouragement, and hope for a brighter future.

MURRIETA, Calif. — Community Outreach Ministry is expressing its gratitude to the generous sponsors, stylists, volunteers, and community donors who participated in a Haircut-A-Thon fundraiser on October 4, 2026, in Murrieta to provide Christmas clothing, shoes, and toys on behalf of children whose parents are incarcerated in Southwest Riverside County.

A shout out to Denise Ronzello hair stylist who came up with the idea of a Haircut-A-Thon fundraiser. The fundraiser was made possible by business sponsors Ron Umali, U.S. Navy Master Chief, Retired with GOATLocker Reality powered by Century 21 Masters and LuvLiez Salon with talented stylists.

Together the sponsors hosted the event to give back to support children of incarcerated parents with gifts at Christmas who are known as “hidden victims” or “invisible children” in California. Everyday these children are struggling with absentee parents. They are lonely and craving to be loved by their parents. 

According to the Annie E. Case Foundation’s Kids Count there are 503,000 children in California who have experienced the separation of a parent due to incarceration. In 2026 Angel Tree a program of Prison Fellowship hopes to reach an anticipated 300,000 children whose parents are incarcerated in California to receive Christmas gifts. 

Thank you to Ron and Liezl Umali for inviting their family members, friends, hair stylists, barber to bring into the Salon clothes, shoes and toys for these kids to know they are loved and not forgotten.

A round of applause to the volunteers Liezl Umali, Denise Ronzello, Connie Munoz, Robin Dixon, Jennifer Goode, Molly Cazares, and Lizan Arzola. Including U.S. Navy Chief Petty Officer Michael Burdios a barber instructor. Their service has directly benefited these kids by giving them encouragement for a brighter future. 

We are obliged to community clients Lewis and Raquel San Luis of L & R Fashion Trend LLC, Hoang Dinh of Paradise Coast Inspections LLC, and Lennard Umali of Lennykickz LLC for donating shoes. We also appreciate private client donations from Christine Pineda, Lalaine and Oliver Uy, and Ara Schnug.

Community Outreach Ministry co-founders Bob and Dr. Mona Salomo-Davies also extend their gratitude to ministry volunteers Emily Stitt, Yolanda Burgess, Norma Brunette, and Joy Ronzello for their service. Bob Davies wishes to recognize Jerry Gilding of Temecula Valley Motor Sports for donating T-shirts. Denise Ronzello would like to thank her customers who give year after year to bless the kids: Holly and Glenn Shumann, Barbara Mendoza, Jim and Mary McCune, Emily Stitt, Jean Goodtree, Blanca Biller and C. Tisha Shokat.

Christmas Gifts That Send a Message of Love

The gifts will be distributed at Community Outreach Ministry's 26th Annual Angel Tree Christmas Party on Saturday, December 12, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Murrieta Gateway Nazarene Church, 23560 Jefferson Avenue, Murrieta, CA 92562. Each gift will include an Angel Tree tag with a personal message written by the child's incarcerated parent. These messages remind children that they are loved and valued by their parents. The gifts are also helping to strengthen family connections and bring inspiration during the holiday season.

Community Outreach Ministry seeks to help these “hidden children” or “invisible children” facing struggles to break the cycle of incarceration by giving them a second chance to be winners and champions. These youngsters are being given opportunities to improve in education and vocation. Through year-round outreach, camping, mentoring, and STEM activities, the ministry challenges young people to build their self-confidence, develop practical skills, and to broaden their imagination. This is accomplished during the STEM mentor protege hands-on workshops where youth are learning to assemble robots using educational and vocational kits giving youth problem solving techniques, teaming-skills and real-world experience.

A Christmas Celebration for the Community

The December 12 celebration will welcome sponsors, community and private supporters, and participating families for a morning of fellowship and holiday activities. Guests can visit informational booths featuring mentors from the U.S. Forest Service Fire Fighters, Riverside County Probation Department, Camp Agape and Vista Community Clinic.

Children and families will enjoy singing Christmas Carols, the coloring in their Christmas Story pages. We applaud Applebee's for generously sponsoring their highly valued, top-rated signature burgers and fries for lunch for local children of incarcerated parents. This meaningful contribution helps provide meals and support to young people, demonstrating a commitment to strengthening communities and investing in the next generation. Thank you, Applebee’s, for making a positive difference in the lives of our youth. 

Referrals and Ways to Help

Community Outreach Ministry is accepting referrals from Prison Fellowship Angel Tree, Riverside County 211; local schools; and churches for approximately 200 children in Southwest Riverside County. Individuals, businesses, and community members interested in supporting the children or learning more about Community Outreach Ministry's programs are encouraged to contact:

Community Outreach Ministry
Telephone: 951-803-5776 Office 951-231-5515 Mobile
Email: info@communityoutreachministry.org
Website: www.communityoutreachministry.org

Through the generosity of its supporters and the dedication of its volunteers, Community Outreach Ministry continues to elevate these children and families with hope in the Gospel as key for a prosperous future.