Share the Christmas Spirit

This is the time of year to remember those who are less fortunate. If you'd like to donate to local children, there are several toy and gift drives around town:

• Saturday, December 2 from 11AM-3PM, Set Free Church has their annual Toy Run. Bring an unwrapped new toy to Set Free at 13700 Calimesa Blvd. There will be a raffle, free BBQ, live music and a "kids zone". The Set Free annual Christmas Toy Giveaway is December 16th at the Set Free Thrift Store on Yucaipa Blvd (10AM).

• The Yucaipa American Legion Post 426 and Yucaipa Outreach is accepting gifts at the post (12167 California St.) through Monday, December 11. The public is also invited to their annual Christmas party on Saturday, December 16, with proceeds going to the abused children of Yucaipa.

• Yucaipa Valley Fire and Rescue Association annual gift drive has donation sites around town. Drop a new toy or other gift at one of the donation barrels or at the local fire station. Donations shouldn't be wrapped (but you can donate gift wrap tape and ribbon). They especially need gifts for 10-15 year olds. Lenore Will, the program coordinator suggests "games, sports equipment, make-up sets, jewelry and art sets".

• Phat Choppers has their annual"Share the Joy" gift drive. There are donation sites around town.

• On December 9, Garden of Angels will host the "Circle of Love Christmas Concert", where a buried infant will be memorialized by an ornament on a Christmas tree. Members of the public can exchange a new book for an ornament. The book will be donated by Garden of Angels in memory of that child.

I'm sure there are others - just take a look around!

Tags: Yucaipa, Christmas