Several Chances to Give Back Coming Up

Rachael Bouley

12/13/2017

The holiday spirit of giving is in full spring, with many Tucsonans wondering how they can give back to those in need this year.

There are many opportunities to make a difference during the holidays and spread some holiday cheer to those who are less-fortunate.

The Salvation Army is offering a quick and easy way for the public to help this weekend. On Friday Dec.16, they will host a Stuff the Bus event that will benefit 4,000 local children. From 6 a.m to 6 p.m., people can head to the Walmart at 2150 E. Speedway Blvd, where they can drop off new, unwrapped toys. Help The Salvation Army achieve their goal of collecting at least 20,000 toys, board games and bikes for kids 12 and under who otherwise wouldn’t get gifts this holiday season. They are hoping to fill five buses, provided in partnership with Walmart, E.W. Scripps and Co., SunTran and Jim Click Automotive.

These donations will head to Santa’s Toy Shop, where parents who are struggling financially can choose free gifts for their children. More than 300 volunteers from Voyager Hotel and RV Resort are working hard to make it all possible this year.

The Salvation Army Adopt-A-Family program is still in full swing, and sponsors are needed for as many as 70 local families this holiday season. The deadline to adopt a family is Sunday, December 24 and sponsors commit to providing a $50 gift for each child in a family and a $50 grocery card to go toward a holiday meal. Additional gifts and delivery/drop-off of the items is appreciated but optional. Those interested can register online by visiting salvationarmytucson.org/adopt-a-family-tucson or calling 520-795-9671.

And don’t forget about the Salvation Army Christmas Angel Giving Trees! The deadline to drop off new, unwrapped toy donations is Saturday, December 23. Donations can be dropped off at Foothills Mall, Park Place Mall, Tucson Mall or Tucson Premium Outlets. Donations can also be dropped off at the Salvation Army Hospitality House located at 1002 N. Main Ave., or made online at TheSalvationArmyTucson.org or by calling 520-795-9671.

Residents are also encouraged to join in the holiday fun at the 47th annual Miracle on 31st Street Christmas Party at 9 a.m. on Saturday, December 23. This free festive party will feature toys, food and entertainment for 10,000 children at AVA Amphitheater at Casino Del Sol (5655 W. Valencia Road.)

PetSmart has donated stuffed animals to the cause, while the Regional Transportation Authority collected toys through a Fill the Streetcar drive earlier this month. Nearly 9,000 toys are still needed, in addition to monetary donations to purchase gifts and food for goodie bags and necessary insurance.

Families will enjoy a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus, along with delicious food by Silver Saddle Steakhouse and a parade of classic cars. For those interested in donating new and unwrapped children’s toys, bicycles or money can drop their donations off at El Guero Canelo locations at 5201 S. 12th Ave., 2480 N. Oracle Road, 5802 E. 22nd St. and 4519 S. 12th Ave. Donations are also accepted at Old Pueblo Healthcare, 5981 E. Grant Road, or the home of Roman Gonzales, the event organizer, at 2019 W. Ajo Way. For more information or to provide cash donations, please contact Ramon Gonzales at 520-971-8271 or 520-288-8340.

Learn more about these wonderful community efforts on the official website of the Salvation Army here.

Several Chances to Give Back Coming Up

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