Children’s Fund, a nonprofit providing support, opportunity, and hope to vulnerable children throughout San Bernardino County, will collect and distribute 40,000 gifts for children this holiday season as part of their 31st 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 Dr. Ciriaco “Cid” Pinedo, President & CEO of Children’s Fund.
Children’s Fund will be collecting gifts for children ages 0-18 years old through December 13th. All toy donations can be brought to 1140 E. Cooley Ave. in San Bernardino each weekday from 10:00 am to 3:30 pm.
“When we think “toy drive” we naturally imagine toys for the little kids, but we are encouraging the community to remember the teenagers too,” says Shari Hunke, Director of Marketing & PR. “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.
Society teaches children that if they are a “good boy or girl” they will receive a toy. But what happens, if through no fault of their own, they don’t receive a toy? Children’s Fund wants to ensure that every child in our community knows that they are “good,” remembered, and loved.
Every youth currently living 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, Toyota North American Parts, 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, clicking on the Spark of Love icon, and completing the necessary forms.
To host a toy drive at your business, please contact Angel Arreola at Angel@childrensfund.org. To arrange a large delivery, make a monetary donation, download campaign posters and gift tags, or for more information, please call 909-379-0000, or visit www.childrensfund.org/celebration-of-giving