Salvation Army giving toys to 14,000 children
Generous San Diegans make it possible
San Diego, CA – (December 2017) Because every child should have a joy filled Christmas morning, The Salvation Army relies on the generous San Diegans to donate thousands of toys each year. Toy distribution of 40,000 toys to 14,000 children begins soon! The Salvation Army is also helping 5,000 families with Christmas food baskets. Families signed up in the fall and have been pre-qualified to receive toys and food.
Dates & locations of distribution:
Dec 18 Oceanside Salvation Army 9am – 3pm
3935 Lake Boulevard, Oceanside, CA 92056-4657
Dec 16, 18 *Ray & Joan Kroc Center 8am – 5pm
6845 University Avenue, San Diego, CA 92115
Dec 21 El Cajon Salvation Army 9am – 5pm
1011 E. Main Street, El Cajon, CA 92021
Dec 19, 20, 21 San Diego Centre City Salvation Army 9am – 3pm
825 7th Avenue, San Diego, CA 92101
Dec 20, 21, 22 Escondido Salvation Army 9am – 4pm
1301 Las Villas Way, Escondido, CA 92026-1921
Dec 21, 22 San Diego Citadel Salvation Army 9am – 4pm
4170 Balboa Avenue, San Diego, CA 92117
All 40,000 toys were donated by generous San Diegans through Angel Giving Tree tags, Amazon Wishlists, community toy drives or donated directly to Salvation Army Corps Community Centers.
The Salvation Army helps families in need through the Angel Giving Tree program. Families sign up for toys in the fall, and Salvation Army staff create Angel Tree tags for each child, describing their age and what they want for Christmas. Donors across San Diego county then shop for toys specific to that child. Before distribution, volunteers pre-package the toys for each family, which are then given to parents at distribution.
*The Kroc Center hosts a Toy & Joy Shop, where parents, escorted by volunteers, can shop for their children from hundreds of donated new toys, including board games, books, sports equipment, stuffed animals, action figures and dolls. For Kroc Center inquiries, please call Glynis Eckert at her office (619) 269-1412 or cell (214) 766-8223.
“Providing these families with toys is a very special and intentional process,” says Salvation Army Divisional Commander Major George Baker. “Toys are specifically chosen for each child with care. Families don’t have to worry about buying toys for their children on top of paying rent or buying groceries. We help families retain their disposable income using it for more necessities while we provide Christmas for the children.”
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