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:
ALPINE
Christmas with the Animals: Nonprofit big cat and bear sanctuary Lions Tigers & Bears seeks donations for its annual Christmas with the Animals fundraiser. Wish list items include paint and wrapping paper for animals’ present boxes (which will be filled with food), tools to maintain animal habitats, and cleaning supplies for volunteers. Lions Tigers & Bears is home to more than 65 rescued big cats, bears and ranch animals. Fundraiser proceeds provide food, veterinary care and habitat maintenance. The public is welcome to a holiday event from 2:30 to 7:30 p.m. Dec. 9 at the sanctuary, 24402 Martin Way, where animals will be opening treat-filled presents and discovering Christmas trees in their habitats. Visit lionstigersandbears.org/wishlist.
CARLSBAD
Toys for Tots Drop-off: The U.S. Marine Corps and San Diego County have placed a Toys for Tots donation box at the McClellan-Palomar Airport, 2192 Palomar Airport Road. Drop off a new, unwrapped toy by 1 p.m. Dec. 8. Toy donations can include games, bikes, dolls, stuffed animals and other things for children to play with. All donations will go to children in county communities. Toy drop-off locations are at other county airports. (Look under San Diego County below.) Visit countynewscenter.com.
Giveback Getaway Package benefits lagoon: The Cassara Carlsbad, 5805 Armada Drive, part of the Tapestry Collection by Hilton, offers a Giveback Getaway Package, with luxury accommodations and a tandem kayaking VIP Eco Tour for two (adults 18+) at the Agua Hedionda Lagoon. The VIP Eco Tour includes a two-hour in-depth look at the lagoon’s ecosystem as well as a history lesson about the Native Americans who called the lagoon home. Tour bookings will be donated to the Agua Hedionda Lagoon Foundation’s exhibits and programs. Visit thecassaracarlsbad.com/offers.
CARMEL MOUNTAIN
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. The community can buy gifts from the Amazon wish list and ship directly to Promises2Kid (9400 Ruffin Court, Suite A, San Diego, CA 92123). Gifts can also be dropped off at Promises2Kids from Nov. 27 to Dec. 21 or Carmel Mountain Preschool, 9510 Carmel Mountain Road, from Nov. 27 to Dec. 13. Money donations are also appreciated. Visit promises2kids.org.
CHULA VISTA
Shoes and socks: The Chula Vista Police Department’s School Resource Officer Unit, in partnership with the Chula Vista Police Foundation, Chula Vista Elementary School District, and South Bay Community Services, are holding their 11th annual Shoe and Sock Drive, providing shoes and socks to needy youths in the community. On Dec. 9, select students registered at Chula Vista Elementary School District will be invited to Solo Shoes to hand-pick their new shoes and socks. Money donations are welcomed and will be used to buy shoes and socks for the students. Visit chulavistapolicefoundation.org/donate-today and designate “Shoe and Sock Drive” in the comments section.
Donations for Holiday Meal and Toy Giveaway: The Chula Vista Police Department is seeking donations for its annual Holiday Meal and Toy Giveaway for needy families in the South Bay. More than 500 families will receive a meal voucher to attend the event, scheduled for Dec. 18 at the Walmart at 1150 Broadway. The voucher will provide a frozen turkey and side dishes for a family to enjoy an entire holiday meal. Santa will also visit to give toys to the children. Toy bins will be set up throughout the city for folks to drop off new, unwrapped toys. Donations are also welcome at chulavistapolicefoundation.org/donate-today; designate “Holiday Drive” in the comments section.
DEL MAR
Toys for Tots drop–off: A Toys for Tots donation drop-off station in Del Mar is open from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. through Dec. 13 at Jim Coleman’s State Farm Insurance,1011 Camino Del Mar, which marks its 25th year as a Toys for Tots drop-off site. Bring a new, unwrapped toy by Dec. 13.
ENCINITAS
Jingle & Mingle: The Encinitas-based nonprofit Community Resource Center will host its annual fundraiser, Jingle & Mingle, at 5:30 p.m. Dec. 5 at the Morgan Run Club and Resort in Rancho Santa Fe, to raise money to provide food and shelter to neighbors in need. The event includes music, food, beverages, Mingling & Jingling with Community Resource Center supporters, staff and volunteers, and hearing about the impact of the center along with a silent auction and raffle and jewelry pop-up shops, including unique collections from the center’s resale stores. Buy tickets by Nov. 24. Visit crcncc.org/jingle.
Community Donation Drive: Rancho Coastal Humane Society is collecting donations of blankets, pet toys, and new, unopened pet food. Donation bins and public drop-off zones for animal related donations include these locations:
- Scenthound in Piazza Carmel, 3840 Valley Centre Drive, Carmel Valley.
- Stone Brewing World Bistro and Gardens, 1999 Citracado Parkway, Escondido.
- Rancho Coastal Humane Society’s Thrift Shop, 120 Aberdeen Drive in Cardiff.
Visit sdpets.org or call (760) 753-6413.
ESCONDIDO
Children’s Christmas party: The Escondido Police Department hosts an annual children’s Christmas party for children who are victims of violence. The department welcomes donations of a new, unwrapped gift or a gift card for children ages newborn to 18. Drop off donations at the Escondido Police Department Front Lobby, 1163 N. Centre City Parkway; Escondido Federal Credit Union, 201 N. Broadway; Escondido City Hall, 201 N. Broadway; Blue Mug Coffee & Tea, 1882 W. El Norte Parkway; and CrossFit Point A, 969 Rancheros Drive, Suite A, San Marcos. Gifts will be collected through Dec. 2. Email mmartinez@escondido.org.
Thanksgiving Drive: New Vintage Church is partnering with local nonprofit A Step Beyond to provide 150 Thanksgiving meals for underserved families in the Escondido area. Money raised will be used to buy 150 frozen turkeys at wholesale for families to pick up the week of Thanksgiving. The turkeys must be ordered in advance. Visit gofundme.com/f/nvc-thanksgiving-drive.
LA MESA
Toy drive for military kids: Join the members of the La Mesa Chamber of Commerce and donate toys, diapers and other items that will make the holiday season special for children living in La Mesa military housing. The chamber is collecting these items for children ages 2-13 years old. A toy drive party will be held from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Dec. 5 at BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse, 5500 Grossmont Center Drive. Admission is free to chamber members bringing a new, unwrapped toy. Admission for nonmember guests bringing an unwrapped toy is $10, and $20 for all “at-door” guests bringing an unwrapped toy. The evening includes heavy hors d’oeuvres, salads and signature pizzas. Reserve by Dec. 1 to rsvp@lamesachamber.com. Those who can’t attend but wish to donate can call (619) 251-7730.
Helping homebound seniors: The La Mesa Chamber of Commerce invites the community to help 16 homebound seniors — 12 women and four men. The chamber is collecting, buying and assembling items for large gift baskets and bags, to be delivered by the La Mesa Retired Senior Volunteer Patrol. Deadline for donations is Dec. 2. If you wish to donate food from your pantry, please make sure they have not expired. Suggested items: canned soups, vegetables and fruits; packets of crackers and pasta or macaroni and cheese; bars and bottles of soap, tubes of toothpaste, packs of tissues, hand sanitizer, pens and pads of paper. Gift cards also welcome from Walmart, Target or any grocery store. Deliver items to Fran Smith from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays at the La Mesa Chamber of Commerce office, 8080 La Mesa Blvd., Suite 214. Mary England is also available seven days a week to meet donors and pick up items directly. Call (619) 251-7730.
Light Up the Holidays: The Salvation Army hosts its red-kettle kickoff, Light Up the Holidays, from 3 to 6 p.m. Nov. 25 at Grossmont Center, 5500 Grossmont Center Drive. The free family event includes a tree lighting, holiday music, performances and photos with Santa. Besides money donations, the Salvation Army is accepting new, unwrapped toys. Visit salarmy.us/lightuptheholidays.
LEMON GROVE
Candy fundraiser: The Lemon Grove Lions Club holds an online fundraiser selling See’s Candies through Dec. 1 to support the community programs of the club. Visit at tinyurl.com/mr46hy22.
NORTH COUNTY
“Be a Santa to a Senior”: Home Instead offers the “Be a Santa to a Senior” program, where community members can give a holiday gift to an older adult who may not have family and feel alone. This is the program’s 19th year in the area, and coordinators hope to collect gifts for 300 local seniors. Be a Santa to a Senior trees can be found at Walmart stores through Dec. 11 in Vista (1800 University Drive) and San Marcos (732 Center Drive). Ornaments featuring the name and desired gift will be on display, and shoppers can buy the gift and return it unwrapped to that location with the ornament attached and gifts will be delivered for the holidays. Visit imreadytocare.com.
OCEANSIDE
Brother Benno’s gift card drive: Oceanside-based nonprofit Brother Benno’s is collecting Walmart gift cards to give at its annual Children’s Christmas Party. The nonprofit serves homeless and working poor community members. The gift card drive runs through Dec. 9. Visit brotherbenno.org.
Party help needed: The Veterans Association of North County has been asked to hold four Christmas parties for approximately 700 active-duty military families. The nonprofit VANC will be supplying the dinners, but it needs toys and gift cards for the children. Toys can be dropped off at 1617 Mission Ave. before Dec. 10; checks are also welcome. Or send checks to Veterans Association of North County, attention Lori Boody, 1617 Mission Ave., Oceanside, CA 92058. Visit vanc.me.
Donate a Meal: The Boys & Girls Clubs of Oceanside holds its Donate a Meal drive to raise money for Thanksgiving and holiday meals for families in need in the community. Visit bgcoceanside.org.
POWAY
Holiday With Heroes: The Kiwanis Club of Poway is looking for sponsors and donations for its Holiday With Heroes event Dec. 7 at the Poway Community Center 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. Children will receive art supplies, crocheted beanies, blankets, cupcakes, batteries, wrapping paper, books, candy, stuffed animals, socks and photo with Santa. Donations are needed to provide the families with towels or a gift for the 150 children and their families. Visit powaykiwanis.org/HwH.
RANCHO SANTA FE
Alternative Christmas Market: An Alternative Christmas Market continues through Dec. 24 at the Village Church. Participants can donate to a variety of charities in honor of friends and family for the holidays. The charities’ programs are local and international, ranging from helping farmers out of poverty, providing clothing for homeless families, supporting an orphanage, building homes alongside families in need in Mexico and helping shelter Afghan and Ukrainian refugees in San Diego, along with funding Christian satellite programming in the Middle East. To shop online, visit villagechurch.org/alternative-christmas-market.
SAN DIEGO
Sleeping bag distribution: The nonprofit San Diego Veterans for Peace is handing out new sleeping bag sets to the neediest homeless downtown and seeks financial donations. The sleeping bag sets (sleeping bag and nylon stuff sack) cost the organization $35 each. To donate, visit sdvfp.org/donate or mail a check to SDVFP, 4767 Agora Way, San Diego, CA. 92056. Call (858) 342-1964.
Holiday Toy Drive for Boys & Girls Clubs: North Island Credit Union and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater San Diego are running a Holiday Toy Drive. Drop off a new, unwrapped toy or gift for elementary and middle school ages at an NICU branch through Dec. 9. Gifts will be distributed at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater San Diego holiday celebrations in December. Visit northisland.ccu.com/toydrive.
Comfort & Joy drive: Hope for San Diego is partnering with area nonprofits to bring holiday joy to folks in need as part of it Hope for San Diego’s Comfort & Joy 2023 drive, which offers sponsorships and local service opportunities around the county ranging from serving a meal at Solutions for Change and San Diego Rescue Mission to helping distribute gifts and helping out at a holiday party at San Diego Refugee Tutoring. The Comfort & Joy drive is open through Dec. 18; visit hopeforsd.org.
San Diego Box of Love (Thanksgiving Meals): Community members can provide Thanksgiving meals to those in need through the Boxes of Love program. Each box is estimated at $40. Last year, each box included a $20 gift card. This year our goal is 200 boxes. Visit gofundme.com/f/sgws-san-diego-box-of-love-thanksgiving-meals.
Fair Trade Alternative Gift Fair: A gift fair featuring fair trade craft and food items, including coffee, will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 3 at First Lutheran Church, 1420 Third Ave. Proceeds benefit local and international service organizations. Call (619) 575-2845.
Women Warriors seek support: The Foundation for Women Warriors is calling on the San Diego community to help them support 200 local veteran families through their fourth annual holiday drive. Now through Dec. 9, they are collecting new and unused children’s toys, clothes and baby items for female veterans and their families. The community can support the drive by purchasing items from the Foundation for Women Warriors Holiday Amazon Wishlist at amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2E2814XF2LX3X; hosting a corporate/employee drive and collecting new children’s toys, clothes and baby items ; donating at foundationforwomenwarriors.org/event/holiday-drive-2023; or volunteering to pack gifts and help with the gift distribution (email schapman@f4ww.org).
Community Day of Giving: The Mission Beach Town Council hosts its fourth annual Community Day of Giving from 8 a.m. to noon Dec. 9. Donate a new, unwrapped toy for the Toys for Tots Toy Drive at The Plunge in Belmont Park through Dec. 20 and receive a free swim pass (plungesandiego.com). Bring your toy donation or a cash donation to one of the Marines the morning of Dec. 9 at The Plunge and also enjoy some snacks from Mission Beach’s Olive Bakery. A “Don’t Trash Mission Beach” community service project will also be held from 8 a.m. to noon. Visit donttrashmissionbeach.com.
SAN DIEGO COUNTY
Toys for Joy: The 27th annual Toys for Joy, created by Pastor Miles McPherson of the Rock Church in 1996 with local churches and community businesses, is accepting donations. Preselected families can receive free toys, lunch, groceries, haircuts, activities, gently used clothing and more. There are three ways to be part of Toys for Joy: Buy a toy from the online wish list at toys-for-joy.org/toys; contribute money and/or in-kind gifts online at toys-for-joy.org/donate; or sign up to volunteer with family and friends at toys-for-joy.org/volunteers. More than 6,000 families, selected by schools and partner agencies, will receive their gifts starting on Dec. 9 at five sites in San Diego County. Visit toys-for-joy.org.
Toys for Tots time: San Diego County and the U.S. Marine Corps have placed Toys for Tots donation boxes at the five county airports: McClellan-Palomar Airport in Carlsbad, Gillespie Field in El Cajon, Fallbrook Airpark in Fallbrook, Ramona Airport in Ramona and Borrego Valley Airport in Borrego Springs. Drop off a new, unwrapped toy at any airport until 1 p.m. Dec. 9 (deadline is Dec. 8 for McClellan-Palomar Airport). Two airports are holding special events where uniformed Marines will be on hand to collect donations. The first is from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 2 at Ramona Airport, 2450 Montecito Road. The second is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 9 at Fallbrook Airpark, 2155 Air Park Road. Donations requested are new, unwrapped toys, bikes, games, dolls, stuffed animals and other things for children to play with. All donations will go to children in county communities. Pilots are welcome to fly in to deliver their donations at the airports.
Mission Fed toy and gift drive: La Maestra Community Health Centers has teamed up with Mission Fed Credit Union for the annual Toy and Gift Drive to provide holiday joy for under-resourced patients. Now through Dec. 4, San Diegans can drop off toys and gifts at any Mission Fed branch. La Maestra is seeking toys, books and gifts for children ages newborn to 18. Items will be distributed to local patients at La Maestra’s El Cajon and City Heights locations. The collection boxes will be at all 34 branches across San Diego County, and two boxes will be placed at Mission Fed’s headquarters at 10325 Meanley Drive, San Diego. Find a branch near you at missionfed.com/branches.
Presents for Paws: San Diego County Credit Union is collecting money donations for its 12th annual Presents for Paws holiday fundraising campaign benefiting animal shelters and rescues in San Diego, Orange and Riverside counties. In San Diego County, collections will benefit the San Diego Humane Society. Donations will be accepted at branch locations or online this year at sdccu.com/paws.
Community food drive: The County of San Diego holds a community holiday food drive benefiting the San Diego Food Bank and North County Food Bank for folks in need. Community members can donate holiday meals through the “Nourishing Neighbors” program at local Albertsons or Vons supermarkets through Nov. 28. Folks can donate $1, $3 or $5 at the checkout. Donations can also be made online. Visit sandiegofoodbank.org.
Holiday Angels: ElderHelp’s Holiday Angels will bring holiday cheer, a festive plant, $25 gift card and handmade greeting cards Dec. 2 to more than 300 seniors across San Diego County. For many this may be their only holiday visit and gift. ElderHelp is a nonprofit that serves as a community resource providing personalized services and information to help seniors remain independent and live with dignity in their own homes. To make a donation, visit elderhelpofsandiego.networkforgood.com/projects/205087-holiday-angels-2023 or email kphelan@elderhelpofsandiego.org or call (619) 284-9281.
Miracle Babies Toy Drive: Local nonprofit Miracle Babies holds a toy drive to serve families with hospitalized infants through Dec. 20. Donations of new, unwrapped toys for infants to age 16 (including siblings of infants in neonatal intensive care) will be accepted at the Miracle Babies office along with several collection sites in San Diego County. Gifts may also be purchased from the Miracle Babies Amazon Wishlist (bit.ly/3G8Kdtc) and shipped directly to the Miracle Babies office, 8745 Aero Drive, Unit 308, San Diego, CA 92123. Families will be selected to visit “Santa’s Workshop,” at the Miracle Babies headquarters from Dec. 13-20 by appointment only.
Visit miraclebabies.org.
National program helps military families: The Soldiers’ Angels Holiday Adopt-A-Family program helps military and veteran families who could use some extra support this holiday season. The national nonprofit pairs families with businesses and individuals who want to help. Visit soldiersangels.org/adopt-a-family to find out about eligibility and to start the application process.
SAN MARCOS
“Necessities Drive” for seniors: The nonprofit Gary and Mary West PACE holds its “Everyday Necessities Drive for North San Diego County Seniors” through Dec. 14 at 1706 Descanso Ave. Community members are asked to drop off new blankets, hygiene items and gardening supplies for seniors in need or make money donations from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. West PACE will host a Tailgate Kickoff event on Nov. 30 with the Oasis Home Advisors group and “Reindeer Games” for participants on Dec. 11 and 12, with holiday-themed games at the day center. Visit westpace.org.
SPRING VALLEY
Hope for the Holidays: Boys to Men Mentoring (B2M) holds its Hope for the Holidays annual gift giving drive from Nov. 28 through Dec.15 to present a gift to each boy participating in one of the nonprofit’s life-transforming mentoring circles. Community members can see B2M’s Amazon Wish List at bit.ly/3G8NA3x and buy a gift, for delivery to the nonprofit’s Spring Valley office or drop off a new, unwrapped gift at the B2M office by Dec. 5 at 3322 Sweetwater Springs Blvd., or make a donation to the program. Visit boystomen.org/holidays.
SOLANA BEACH
Blankets and Bikes: The Del Sol Lions Club is collecting blankets for the Community Resource Center’s Holiday Baskets program for community members in need. New queen and king blankets can be dropped off at Solana Beach Family Optometry, 977 Lomas Santa Fe, Suite B. Online donations are also welcome at delsollions.org; click on the “Donate now” tab and select “new blankets for CRC.” The Del Sol Lions is also collecting cash donations through Dec. 3 to buy new bicycles for local kids who could otherwise not afford them. Volunteers assemble the bikes and make sure they fit each child. Recipients also receive helmets, safety lights, a bicycle pump, and a bilingual brochure on Bicycle Safety and the Rules of the Road. Visit delsollions.org/events-projects.
VISTA
Gift drive for shelter: Operation HOPE-North County, a shelter for women and families in Vista, is collecting donations for outerwear, toiletries, backpacks, toys and gift cards for the holidays. Visit operationhopeshelter.org/support-us.
Please send items to linda.mcintosh@sduniontribune.com.
