BY REBEKAH GREEN
PRIDE STAFF WRITER
photo courtesy of thingstodo.com
The holidays are the time for giving, and each year hundreds of charity drives are held throughout the country. Listed below are some local charities that you can contribute and be a part of this season.
The Annual Holiday Basket Program
Location: Del Mar City Hall
Information: Donate gently used blankets and jackets for this annual program. The program itself has helped over a thousand families. The donations are then put together to form a “shopping” experience for recipients at the Del Mar Fairgrounds on Wed, Dec 15. For more information, see: http://www.delmar.ca.us/News/Pages/Holidaydrive.aspx.
Food Drive for San Diego Food Bank
Location: Academy of World Dance n Arts, Poway CA.
Information: The Academy of World Dance n Arts is seeking donations of nonperishable food items to benefit the San Diego Food Bank. Donations are accepted from Dec 1 – 22. Foods needed include canned meats, fruits, vegetables, infant formula, etc. (Full list here: http://www.worldancenarts.com/2/post/2010/11/academy-of-world-dance-n-arts-launches-food-drive-to-benefit-the-san-diego-food-bank.html).
San Diego Food Bank Holiday Food Drive
Location: Donated food can be placed in red barrels located in front of Vons and Stater Bros. supermarkets, and at the San Diego Food Bank.
Information: The food donated is distributed to those in need through many charities (churches, shelters, etc.). The drive began Nov 1 and continues through Dec 31. For more information and specific donation locations, see: http://www.sandiegofoodbank.org/events/holiday/.
Promises2Kids Give From Your Heart
Location: Donation bins at Wendy’s restaurants and California Coast Credit Unions.
Information: This drive, collecting gifts for foster children, lasts until Dec 13. Gifts are distributed to organizations such as the Polinsky Children’s Center and Mary’s House Transitional Housing Program. For suggestions on what to donate or more information, visit: http://www.promises2kids.org/news-events/events/holiday-gift-drive.
Adopt-A-Family Program
Location: Varies
Information: Various churches, businesses, and members of the community adopt a family in need and provide a family gift basket. The gift baskets contain nonperishable foods and gift cards. For more information on this program, as well as other events, see: http://www.ccsasandiego.org/adoptfamily.html.
Annual Reggae Holiday Concert and Toy Drive
Location: Soundwave, San Diego, CA.
Information: Polynesian Underground Ent. brings together various San Diego reggae bands for this drive event. Visitors who donate a toy get in to the event for $5. The event is ages 21 and up, on Dec 10 at 5 p.m. Donated toys are distributed at the Ronald McDonald’s House (http://www.rmhcsd.org/) and Father Joe’s Village charities. To view more information and the musical line up, check out: http://thingstodo.signonsandiego.com/san-diego-ca/events/show/154838005-annual-reggae-holiday-concert-and-toy-drive.
For full list of charities throughout San Diego County see http://www.charity-charities.org/charities/CA/SanDiego.html.