During the holidays especially, it’s important to remember that not everyone is able to provide what their family deserves. Help children and families in need by donating toys or canned food this holiday season, and remember – every little bit helps.
Here are a few places in Coronado that are accepting donations this month:
1. Teen Korps USA, Feeding America and Starbucks Food Drive
This holiday season, Teen Korps USA and Feeding America have teamed up with Starbucks to collect canned and non-perishable foods for San Diego families in need. Items can be dropped off at the Coronado Starbucks (960 Orange Avenue) through December 10th (in the large bin by the back wall). Acceptable items include peanut butter, canned fruits and vegetables, meals in a can (e.g. chili), meals in a box, dry pasta, bagged or canned beans, and other non-perishables. All items must have nutritional information listed. To ensure food safety, homemade/self-canned items are not accepted.
2. Toys for Tots Toy Drive
The US Marine Corps Reserve is celebrating its 64th year of collecting toys for their Tots for Toys Foundation, and Mercedes Estrada and Anthony DiVincenzo of Lee Mather Company Realtors have organized this year’s drive in Coronado. Collected toys will be given to families in San Diego County as presents on Christmas Eve. Drop off new, unwrapped toys or schedule a pick-up by contacting the San Diego Marine Corps Reserve Center at (858) 537-8095.
Toys can be dropped off at Lee Mather Co. Realtors (944 Orange Avenue) through December 15, or the following donation sites through December 23:
VFW Post 2422: 557 Orange Avenue
Coronado First Bank: 801 Orange Avenue
Business Products Express: 1019 C Avenue
The Blue Octopus (Shops at the Del): 1500 Orange Avenue
*Bonus: Livingsocial.com will donate 1% of proceeds from purchases of their daily deals to the Toys for Tots Foundation in your town (through December 16).
Photo by Ashley Jenkins
3. 21st Annual San Diego Law Enforcement Teddy Bear Drive
For its 21st anniversary, the Teddy Bear Drive needs your help to reach their goal of collecting 100,000 teddy bears and stuffed animals this year. Instituted by Coronado Officer Brian Hardy in 1990, the Teddy Bear Drive draws participation from law enforcement teams in the San Diego region and all donations (monetary contributions are also accepted) benefit patients at Rady Children’s Hospital. Teddy bears and stuffed animals can be dropped off at the Coronado Police Department (700 Orange Avenue) through December 12. For hygienic purposes, donated stuffed animals must be in new and unused condition with original tags attached. On December 13, a caravan will deliver the stuffed animals to the Children’s Hospital, and will begin at the USS Midway Museum.
SD Regional Teddy Bear Drive Website
Teddy Bear Drive “Care-a-van” from 2009
4. Children’s Shoes
A Coronado student is collecting gently used (or new) children’s shoes to donate to underprivileged children for the holidays. Shoes will be accepted through December 16th and can be dropped off at Village Elementary’s front office (600 Sixth Street) in a collection box.
5. Canned Food Drive for San Diego Food Bank
Coronado resident Danell Dwaileebe encourages you to get your karma flowing and “help fill hungry tummies” by donating canned and non-perishable foods, as well as personal hygiene items. Most-needed items include canned meats, peanut butter, canned fruits and vegetables, canned soups, dry rice and pasta, dry cereal, mac & cheese, and infant formula. Due to food safety regulations, perishable or homemade/self-canned items and glass jars cannot be donated. Items can be dropped off at 374 F Avenue in the red barrel on the doorstep through December 18. All items received will be donated to the San Diego Food Bank.
Know of other people/places collecting donations that should be on this list? Contact me at [email protected] or comment below!
