SEASON OF GIVING
The winter holidays offer many opportunities to help brighten lives for many in our communities. Here are some suggestions to spread the warmth of the season to others:
Promises2Kids holding gift and toy drive
The nonprofit Promises2Kids is collecting new, unwrapped gifts and gift cards to distribute to foster children this holiday season. The Give From Your Heart Holiday Gift Drive is presented by Carmel Mountain Preschool from 9 to 11 a.m. Monday and invites the community to join. Drop off a gift at the school, 9510 Carmel Mountain Road, San Diego, and take a photo with the Grinch, Cindy Lou Who and Santa. Gifts can also be purchased online at Amazon and shipped to Promises2Kids (9400 Ruffin Court, Suite A, San Diego, CA 92123), or dropped off at Promises2Kids or at bin locations through Dec. 14. Promises2Kids annually provides more than 3,000 current and former foster youth in San Diego County with the help they need to overcome difficulties and become successful adults. Visit promises2kids.org for a list of drop-off locations and information.
Donations, sponsors sought for Holiday With Heroes
The Kiwanis Club of Poway is seeking donations and sponsors for its Holiday With Heroes event Thursday at the Mickey Cafagna Community Center in Poway for underserved children. The children will be paired with a “hero” from the local Sheriff's Department, Fire Department or military, and will shop for their families at an on-site holiday store. A holiday festival follows with dinner, music and games. Kids will receive art supplies, crocheted beanies, blankets, cupcakes, batteries, wrapping paper, books, candy, stuffed animals, socks, a large box of food, and photo with Santa. Donations are needed to provide the families with towels, laundry detergent, or a gift for the 150 children and their families. Visit powaykiwanis.org/hwh.
‘Share the Love’ event at Kearny Mesa Subaru
Kearny Mesa Subaru and Meals on Wheels San Diego County host the annual “Share the Love” event from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday at Kearny Mesa Subaru, 4797 Convoy St., San Diego. This free event is open to the public and brings together some of San Diego's best food truck eats, all in support of local nonprofits, including Meals on Wheels San Diego County. There will be a special appearance from Brent Wakefield, president and CEO of Meals on Wheels San Diego County, as Santa. Participating vendors will compete for the title of “Best Dish,” and local celebrity judges will vote on the winning food truck. At 12:15 p.m., the winning truck will be given a trophy. Also, for every new car purchased or leased through Jan. 3, Kearny Mesa Subaru will donate $250 to the owner's charity of choice from four nationally selected agencies. Visit sandiegomealsonwheels.org.
Toy drive benefits Operation Hope shelter in Vista
The Vista Fire Department is teaming with the San Diego Sheriff's Department Toy Drive, which will benefit Vista's Operation Hope, an emergency shelter for families with children and single women. Drop off new toys by Dec. 18 at any Vista fire station or at the Vista sheriff's station, 325 S. Melrose Drive, Suite 210.