By Sara Beth Williams–
As the holiday season approaches, several local nonprofits, neighborhood groups, and community organizations are launching toy drives, gift card collections, and clothing donation events to support Citrus Heights families in need throughout November and December.
Grocery Gift Card Drive: Single Mom Strong is collecting grocery store gift cards of any amount to help local families in need of extra food. Community members can mail or drop off gift cards at the organization’s address, or make monetary donations online. All funds raised will be used to purchase gift cards for families in need. More information is available on the organization’s website.
Winter Clothing Drive: Citrus Heights HART will hold a winter clothing drive on Nov. 20 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 8095 Greenback Ln., Suite D, on the corner of Greenback Lane and Fair Oaks Boulevard.
The nonprofit is seeking jackets, coats, sweaters, hoodies, shirts, socks, gloves, ponchos, and hand warmers that will be used to help support unhoused and vulnerable residents throughout the cold months. Organizers suggest emailing to let them know you want to drop off clothes. Find contact information on Citrus Heights HART’s Facebook page.
Citrus Heights HART is also accepting donations of seasonally appropriate clothes year round.
Holiday Adopt-A-Family event: Single Mom Strong is seeking donations for their Holiday Adopt-A-Family event. Adopted families typically receive a holiday meal, a gift for mom, and multiple items of need and want for each child. The nonprofit has set a goal to provide for 70 families this season. All donations made on the nonprofit’s website in November will go toward the Holiday Adopt a Family program. Families and businesses may even adopt an entire single mom and their family by emailing the founder directly before Nov. 15. Those interested can visit Single Mom Strong’s website and scroll to the bottom for more information.
Operation Holiday Cheer: The Citrus Heights Police Activities League is hosting its annual Operation Holiday Cheer, inviting residents to nominate local families who may need extra support this season. Nominations of families can be submitted online through Sunday, Nov. 23. The program is also accepting donations of non-perishable food, cleaning and hygiene products, new unwrapped toys, wrapping supplies, gift cards, and monetary gifts. Donations may be dropped off at the Citrus Heights Police Department lobby during business hours, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., until Friday, Dec. 5 at 4 p.m. The Citrus Heights Police Department is located at 6315 Fountain Square Drive.
Giving Tree: Citrus Heights Areas Seven, Eight, and Nine are preparing for their annual Giving Tree event, which sponsors local families to ensure children receive gifts and essentials for Christmas. Last year, the effort supported seven children, and organizers hope to assist even more families this year, depending on donations. Residents may contribute cash, checks, or gift cards for toys, clothing, and other necessities. Donations can be mailed, payable to CHASEN. in care of Bill Shirley, or donors can arrange for check pickup by contacting the group through their email at citrusheightsarea789@gmail.com. The organization provides tax-deductible receipts for all contributions.
NICU and PICU Toy Drive:
The Sunrise Recreation and Park District is collecting new toys to benefit children in the NICU and PICU at Sutter hospital. Toys may be dropped off at the Sunrise Recreation and Park District office located at the Rusch Park Community Center through Dec. 19. The district encourages residents to help bring holiday comfort to families facing medical hardships. Rusch Community Center is located at 7801 Auburn Blvd.
Wild and Fly Fitness Toy and Coat Drive:
Wild and Fly Fitness Art and Culture, a local nonprofit launched by Wild and Fly Fitness studio owner Wendy Fuentes, is collecting toys and coats ahead of its December Christmas festival, where donated items will be distributed to families in need. Donations may be dropped off at the Wild and Fly Fitness studio, located at 8215 Auburn Blvd.
Santa’s Magical Experience Holiday Festival and Toy Drive: Santa’s Magical Experience is partnering with Ultimate Riot Wrestling and Bliss Farms to host a holiday festival on Dec. 13 from 12 to 8 p.m. The event will offer $8 photos with Santa, arts and crafts vendors, stone-baked pizza, hot cocoa, cookie decorating, and ornament making. In addition to holiday activities, the festival will gather toy donations for Ultimate Riot Wrestling’s annual charity drive. All donated toys will be distributed among the Sacramento Children’s Receiving Home, Shriners Children’s Hospital, Loaves and Fishes, and WEAVE shelters. Residents may also contribute financially through Bliss Farms in Citrus Heights at blissfarmca.com or contact George Frey to arrange drop off of donations.
