Valley charities still need toys for Christmas!
‘Tis the season for last minute shopping, but don’t forget about last minute donations!
There are a few valley charities that still need toys and organizations that could use your help.
“This is a really big deal, we are still needing more toys,” said Galilee Center office manager Lupe Torres.
Whether homeless or in need of a helping hand, several Valley organizations want to make sure no child goes without this holiday season.
“That would be the worst. We would not like to turn people away,” said Torres.
The Galilee Center in Mecca is expect to have about 1,500 kids on Christmas morning for its toy give away.
“People start lining up at 5 o’clock in the morning. We tell them not to line up so early in the morning because we try to have toys for all of the children, that is why it is so important that we have enough toys,” said Torres.
The goal is every child goes home Christmas morning with at least two gifts. Right now they don’t have enough to do that.
“We are looking for any unwrapped toy, new unwrapped toy ages 0 to 14 years old.
Martha’s Village and Kitchen in Indio is also in need of toys.
“Right before Christmas we are still looking for toy donations. We have about 50 homeless kids living here, so anything in that nature is greatly appreciated,” said special event supervisor Elena Rosenthal.
It also needs non-perishable food, winter coats and baby items, you can drop off goods at their thrift shore (45-596 Fargo Street, Indio) or main location (83-791 Date Avenue, Indio).
While picking up those last minute gifts at Westfield Palm Desert, a group of elves with the Greenroom Theater Company are ready to wrap them up for you for an donation.
“This is really fun wrapping presents for everybody spreading the holiday cheer,” said drama student Julia Castro.
The Greenroom Theater Company enriches kids lives through drama.
“It’s just fun and you learn a lot about theater,” said Castro
“I love the fact that it’s the kids. It’s helping the kids and letting them do something they love to do and it helps them financially so it’s a wonderful cause,”
The gift wrapping service is offered at the mall through Christmas Eve.
