Christmas can be a particularly difficult time of year for people and families who are out of a job, out of money, struggling with addictions, or living on the streets.
To help make the season brighter, the Central Coast Rescue Mission in Santa Maria is holding its annual Christmas Celebration for the needy on Dec. 19 from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Veteran’s Memorial Center, 313 W. Tunnell St., in Santa Maria.
The Rescue Mission anticipates serving hot Christmas dinners and desserts to more than 1,000 people, and providing at least one toy each to more than 600 children.
“We want every child who comes to our Christmas Celebration and toy giveaway to leave with joy and hope in their hearts, and with smiles on their faces for what may be the only gift they receive this Christmas,” Rescue Mission Director Larry Cooney said in a press release.
The Rescue Mission is asking members of the community to help make the event a success by dropping off toys at the organization’s office—located at 1207 N. McClelland St.—before Dec. 17. The toy can be unwrapped, but if it is wrapped it’s asked that the giver tag the package with a piece of paper recommending the appropriate age and gender of the recipient.
The Central Coast Rescue Mission is an outreach of the Rescue Mission Alliance.
For more information about the Christmas Celebration, or to volunteer, contact either David Bickham at 357-1208 or Karen Reddick at 357-1207.
For more information about the organization, call Larry Cooney at 614-0220 or visit ccrescuemission.org. Donations can be sent to P.O. Box 6467, Santa Maria, CA, 93456-6467.
Managing Editor Amy Asman compiled this week’s Community Corner. Send comments or ideas to the Sun via e-mail at aasman@santamariasun.com.
This article appears in Dec 15-22, 2011.