Children’s Fund, a nonprofit serving vulnerable children throughout San Bernardino County, will collect and distribute over 30,000 gifts for children this holiday season as part of their 30th Annual Celebration of Giving campaign.
“For some children, the only gift under the tree this year will be a Celebration of Giving toy from Children’s Fund,” said Ciriaco “Cid” Pinedo, President & CEO of Children’s Fund.
Children’s Fund will be collecting gifts for children ages 0-18 years old beginning December 3rd until December 14th. All toy donations can be brought to 1140 E. Cooley Ave. in San Bernardino each weekday from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm.
“We have a special need for gifts for kids ages 12-18. Often, people’s first instincts are to buy toys for the little kids, but the older children need gifts too,” said Syrone Harvey, program coordinator at Children’s Fund. “Make-up and bath sets, curling irons, sports equipment, wallets, watches, alarm clocks, and ear phones are all good ideas for teenagers.”
Pinedo believes that receiving a gift during the holidays is a profound reminder to the children that others care for them, no matter their circumstances. Every youth in foster care in San Bernardino County, which is close to 6,500 children, will receive a gift from Children’s Fund---just as they have for the past 30 years.
Teenagers in foster care will receive a $25 gift card so they can have a shopping experience and choose exactly what they want. Children’s Fund is asking for cash donations to help defray the $45,000 cost. Donations can be made on their secure website at www.childrensfund.org.
The Celebration of Giving campaign depends heavily on the community’s toy donations and major donors, including First 5 San Bernardino, Spark of Love, Arrowhead Credit Union, San Manuel Band of Indians, Southern California News Group, and many others.
Donated toys and gifts will be distributed to foster youth and other vulnerable, at-risk, and low-income children. Nonprofit agencies can apply to receive toys for the children they serve by going to www.childrensfund.org and completing a short online form.
To host a toy drive at your business, arrange a large delivery, make a monetary donation, or for more information, please call 909.379.0000, or go to www.childrensfund.org.