Toy Donations Sought for Annual Community Block Party

The City of Redlands Recreation Division and Redlands Police Department along with several local businesses are collecting toys for the 17th Annual Children’s Christmas Block Party. This year’s toy drive is critically important. Grant funding has been limited for the past several years and the toy drive will be a major contributor to the toys/gifts given to the children this year. In previous years, the toy drives have matched the gifts purchased through grant funding allowing more than 1,000 gifts/toys to be donated to our community, local shelters and families in crisis. Last year, Hangar 24 Charities, Larry Jacinto Farming, the Redlands Police Officers Association, Toyota of Redlands, the Northside Impact Committee, and various community members helped to fund the event. Many local stores such as Oscar’s Restaurant, Toyota of Redlands and Redlands Family Restaurant went above and beyond in toy donations hosting toy drives. All monetary and toy donations will assist in providing toys, food, bicycles, games and crafts to children during the annual block party, which is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, at the Redlands Community Center, 111 W. Lugonia Ave. The annual block party has an average attendance of 3,000 to 5,000 families. For many of the children, this will be the only “Christmas” they receive. Toyota of Redlands, Redlands Ford, and Redlands Metro Nissan have joined in the spirit of giving also. Toyota of Redlands is offering a 10 percent discount on all parts and service for all toys of $10 value or more donated. All makes and models are welcome. You can join in the spirit of giving by donating new, unwrapped toys for children between the ages of 4 and 12. Toys may be dropped off through Dec. 12 at the following locations throughout the City: Toyota of Redlands – 921 New York St. Redlands Ford – 1121 W. Colton Ave. Redlands Metro Nissan – 1665 Industrial Park Ave. Gerrards Market -705 W. Cypress Ave. Redlands Family Restaurant-107 E. Colton Ave. A.K. Smiley Public Library – 125 E. Vine St. Redlands Olive Avenue Market – 530 W. Olive Ave. Oscar's Restaurant -19 N. 5th St. Hogi Yogi – 501 E. Citrus Ave. Redlands Community Center - 111 W. Lugonia Ave. Redlands Police Department - 1270 W. Park Ave. For additional information on the Children’s Christmas Block Party, contact Officer Elyzabeth Green at 909-798-7534 ext 2.