Just need ideas to get presents for kids.
Try CHIPS for Kids. The California Highway patrol collects toys each year to give away. The last few years we've had our son give away any toys that he doesn't use or that he's gotten as a present but we could not return.
Hope this helps! Good luck!!
A few ideas for you:
1. Register your family on www.helpneighbors.com -- maybe they can help.
2. Cathedral of our Lady of Angels in downtown LA runs an Adopt-A-Family program. I don't know the details but give them a call at (213) 637-7501. Even if they only serve skid row families, they might be able to refer you to an organization in your area.
3. Try posting something on Craig's List. A great way to connect people.
4. Contact Jen Levinson, the creator of Jen's List. http://www.jenslist.com/. She sends a daily email newsletter to thousands of people in L.A. and often has a section called "Jen's List members need leads". Tell her you need a lead on where to find organizations that provide Christmas gifts to needy children, and give your email address.
Good luck!
If you live close to Santa Clarita, you may want to check out the annual Sheriff's Toy Drive for receiving presents and/or volunteering. Volunteer opportunities include wrapping and organizing the gifts, and taking families around to help them select presents. My daughters and I have helped out at this event for the past couple of years.
Here is their web page:
http://www.scvsheriff.com/comm_toydrive.asp
I don't know what their criteria are for selecting families, but Deputy Laurie Baylis, who coordinates the program, should be able to give you more information. You can contact her by phone or email:
(661) 799-5164
[email protected]
This contact information is also available on the web site. She is very nice.