Children's Fund Kicks off 25th Celebration of Giving Campaign

Residents brought toys by the dozens during the kick off to the 25th annual Celebration of Giving Campaign headed by the Children's Fund. This year Redlands AYSO - Region 50 soccer teams helped kick off the celebration on Nov. 16 with their "Kids Helping Kids" toy drive. Over 100 unwrapped toys were donated in the drive, confirmed Karen Blanco, Children's Fund Marketing Manager. Erin Phillips, President and CEO of Children's Fund, said, “Teaming up with Redlands AYSO is a way to educate our youth that giving back is very rewarding. The parents will take their child shopping for a gift that they would like to receive, and then the child donates that gift to the collection box. What a great message!” The toy drive marked the second year Redlands AYSO has participated in the Celebration of Giving Campaign. Trish Aurelio, Redlands AYSO Assistant Regional Commissioner said, “Redlands AYSO is excited to partner with Children's Fund again this year, and we welcome everyone to participate in the Kids Helping Kids Toy Drive - not just soccer players and their parents, but the entire community as well,” states Trish Aurelio, Assistant Regional Commissioner. To mark the occasion, 89.7 KSGN was on site at the Redlands Sports Complex during the kickoff event. KSGN Program Director Bryan O'Neal said, “Making a difference is what KSGN stands for. Together, we can put smiles on the faces of underprivileged children this holiday season.” KSGN brought their spinning wheel for prize opportunities. "The idea was that the child was to pick out what they would like to receive and then put it in the box for a child who would not otherwise receive a toy," said Blanco of the theme. The support from the community was high, Blanco explained, with this anecdote: "One 10-year-old had hand-carved a toy because he wanted to make sure that someone got a toy for Christmas. He said, 'I just wish I could see the look on the boy’s face when he gets this.'" Blanco also shared that this year Children's Fund is working with local Girl Scouts troops who are collecting donations of toys, and on Dec. 10 will deliver them to Children's Fund at the organization's warehouse in San Bernardino. For their participation in the drive, Girl Scouts will earn a toy drive patch, said Blanco. Those who are interested in donating new, unwrapped toys may drop them off through Dec. 18 at the Children's Fund warehouse, located at 1140 E. Cooley Ave., San Bernardino.