Children’s Fund, a nonprofit serving vulnerable children throughout San Bernardino County, will collect and distribute over 30,000 gifts for children this holiday season as part of their 29th 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 Ciriaco “Cid” Pinedo, President & CEO of Children’s Fund.
Children’s Fund is now collecting gifts for children ages 0-18 years old until December 15th. All toy donations can be brought to 1140 E. Cooley Ave. in San Bernardino each weekday from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm.
“We have a special need for gifts for kids ages 10-18. Often, people’s first instincts are to buy toys for the little kids, but the older children need gifts too,” said Syrone Harvey, program coordinator at Children’s Fund. “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. Every youth in foster care in San Bernardino County, which is close to 6,000 children, will receive a gift from Children’s Fund---just as they have for the past 29 years.
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, San Manuel Band of Indians, Southern California News Group, and many others.