It’s never a good time to be struggling in life--looking for work, wondering where the next meal is coming from, wrestling with addiction--but the staff at Central Coast Rescue Mission in Santa Maria recently noted that the Christmas season can be a “particularly painful time” for people in such a precarious position.
Considering the local population that needs such help, the Central Coast Rescue Mission is planning to hold its annual Christmas celebration for families in need in the community on Dec. 22. The event will run from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Veteran’s Memorial Center at 313 W. Tunnell Street in Santa Maria.
Children and parents alike will be able to dig into a dessert bar (and adults should know that Starbucks is also providing hot drinks) before watching a 15-minute “Living Nativity” presentation and ultimately getting presents from Santa Claus, who will have gifts for about 1,200 kids.
“We want every child who comes to our Christmas Celebration and Toy Give-Away to leave with joy and hope in their hearts, and with smiles on their faces,” Director Larry Cooney said in a press release.
In that endeavor, the mission is asking that community members donate toys—small and unwrapped, please!—directly to the mission itself, or to pick up a bag from the site at 1207 North McClelland St. and fill it with goodies to play with, treats, and sweets. Either way, the donations would need to be to the mission by Friday, Dec. 19.
For more information or to offer help, call Audrey Perry at 357-1208 or Karen Reddick at 357-1207.