Looking for a way to give back to your community? Here are just a few ways you can pitch in and help this holiday season.
- San Diego Food Bank’s Holiday Food Drive 2009: The 2009 Holiday Food Drive officially kicked-off on Nov 3 and will run until Dec 31. Drop-off non-perishable food items in the famous red barrels at grocery stores throughout the county, or food can be delivered directly to the San Diego Food Bank warehouse: 9850 Distribution Avenue, San Diego 92121. For more information visit the official website.
- Sammy's Food Drive: Sammy’s Woodfired Pizza has teamed with the Hand Up Youth Food Pantry for a Thanksgiving Food Drive that runs until the 24th throughout Sammy’s locations in San Diego County. Those who drop off a nonperishable, canned food item will receive a coupon for a free signature giant Messy Sundae dessert. Go to www.sammypizza.com for more information.
- The annual NBC 7/39 Toys for Tots Toy Drive kick of takes place on December 10 –11. Check the website for details on where you can drop off toys.
- Between Dec. 8 - 11, Magic 92.5 will be broadcasting live at four different VONS locations to collect food and coats to benefit the San Diego Food Bank and the Alpha Project.
East County:
From Nov. 20 to Dec. 24, The Salvation Army Red Kettle fundraising campaign begins at store locations throughout the East County. If you'd like to donate to families in need during the holidays please call (619) 440-4683, ext 401.
On December 12, bring food or toys to the Firefighter Toy Parade and Live KOGO Broadcast for the East County Toy & Food Drive from 9 a.m. to noon at the El Cajon Target parking lot at Graves and Broadway.
North County:
Salvation Army seeks turkeys: The Salvation Army in Escondido is collecting turkeys to serve more than 300 people on Thanksgiving. The Salvation Army hopes for 100 donated turkey and is also seeking boxes of stuffing, canned gravy, cans of chicken broth, potatoes, pumpkin pies, dinner rolls and cans of whipped cream. Donations can be dropped off at 1301 Las Villas Way in Escondido from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mon through Fri or call 760-745-8616 ext 100.
Local
Market St. Café Bistro & French Bakery is donating one pie for each five it sells to Oceanside’s Life Christian Church, which is attempting to provide 500 dinners for Thanksgiving. The café is at 1080 San Marcos Blvd., Suite 104; go to www.marketstcafe.com or call 760-471-7646.
St. Francis Church, Vista: A free Thanksgiving dinner will be served from noon to 1:30 p.m. at 525 W. Vista Way. Donations are needed for the dinner. Items needed include turkeys, canned foods, pies or a cash donation. Call 760-945-8000 for more information.
A coat and blanket drive will be held at the Carlsbad Village Farmers Market on Saturday, November 28 to benefit the Carlsbad Christmas Bureau. Call 760-687-6453 for more information.
South County:
The need for ongoing and emergency food supplies is currently out pacing donations. In most need are non-perishable food such as beans, canned goods, boxed meals, pasta, peanut butter, rice and instant potatoes.To get involved or donate visit the South Bay Community Services on 1124 Bay Blvd. Suite D in Chula Vista or call (619) 420-3620.
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