REPORT/RECOMMENDATION TO THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
AND RECORD OF ACTION
December 16, 2025
FROM
JOSHUA DUGAS, Director, Department of Public Health
SUBJECT
Title
Non-Financial Memorandum of Understanding with Santa Claus, Inc. for Donated Items
End
RECOMMENDATION(S)
Recommendation
1. Approve non-financial Memorandum of Understanding with Santa Claus, Inc., to receive donated items for eligible families participating in the Black Infant Health program, with a value not to exceed $10,000 per year, for the five-year period of January 1, 2026 through December 31, 2030.
2. Authorize the Chair of the Board of Supervisors, Chief Executive Officer, or Director of the Department of Public Health to accept and execute any subsequent non-substantive amendments related to the Memorandum of Understanding with Santa Claus, Inc., on behalf of the County, subject to review by County Counsel.
3. Direct the Director of the Department of Public Health to transmit any subsequent non-substantive amendments to the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors within 30 days of execution.
(Presenter: Joshua Dugas, Director, 387-9146)
Body
COUNTY AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER GOALS & OBJECTIVES
Provide for the Safety, Health and Social Service Needs of County Residents.
Pursue County Goals and Objectives by Working with Other Agencies and Stakeholders.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Approval of this item will not result in the use of Discretionary General Funding (Net County Cost). The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Santa Claus, Inc. is non-financial in nature and does not create any new fiscal obligation for the County. The donation of items from Santa Claus, Inc. will have a value of up to $10,000 per year, for the five-year period from January 1, 2026 through December 31, 2030, at no cost to the Department of Public Health (DPH).
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
DPH’s Black Infant Health (BIH) program is designed to meet the health and social conditions of pregnant and postpartum African-American women through an evidence-informed model that features group intervention, social support, and social service case management linking participants to community and health related services. Activities include group sessions covering varying topics related to child rearing, family dynamics, and nutrition.
Santa Claus, Inc. is a community-based organization dedicated to providing services for families in need through its Holiday Distribution and Youth Enrichment Services (YES) programs. Items are provided to underprivileged children and families participating in BIH, throughout the county. While the Holiday Distribution program only operates in the month of December and provides toys, clothing, books, and blankets to children, the YES program provides donations year-round, and includes items such as household essentials, toiletries, infant care items, toys, clothing, etc.
Under the terms of the MOU and subject to funding and product availability, Santa Claus, Inc. will provide items to eligible BIH participants through the Holiday Distribution and YES program. BIH staff will submit a request to Santa Claus, Inc. for each family, specifying sizes and other preferences. Santa Claus, Inc., will notify DPH when items are ready, and staff will coordinate the pickup and subsequent distribution to the family. On average, Santa Claus, Inc. provides approximately $200 worth of goods per family under the YES program; however, families with greater needs may qualify for additional support. Participation is not universal, as some families served by the BIH program may not be eligible for assistance from Santa Claus, Inc.
DPH recommends approval of the non-financial MOU with Santa Claus, Inc. to receive donated items, which will benefit families in need within the BIH program.
PROCUREMENT
Not applicable.
REVIEW BY OTHERS
This item has been reviewed by County Counsel (Adam Ebright, Deputy County Counsel, 387-5455) on November 26, 2025; and County Finance and Administration (Iliana Rodriguez, Administrative Analyst, 387-4205) on November 26, 2025.