Homeless Youth Treated To Holiday Party, Designer Gifts

VENICE (CBSLA.com) — A holiday party complete with presents brightened the day for young people living on the streets in Venice.

"I feel like I'm floating right now," said Rod, 23, a party guest.

He and dozens of others were treated to the party Thursday at a Safe Place for Youth, an outreach program in Venice.

Sherri Murphy and her organization, Party with Purpose, raised money for the gifts, which included skateboards, sleeping bags, designer clothes and shoes.

She does this annually.

"The goal every single year for 16 years has been to give every single child that walks in the door the best Christmas they've ever had," she said. "It gives me chills just saying that."

Amber, 23, lives in a friend's RV on Venice Beach. She chose a skateboard, some clothes, and a backpack filled with toiletries and snacks.

"They don't know us. We're not their family so they could be spending this time and this money on their own family," she said. "It really means a lot."

One of the most coveted items is a cellphone with free service for a month. Many planned to use the phones to call their families.

Other recipients of the gifts included a family of five with three school aged kids. They picked out skateboards and electronics.