Donations needed for toy drive for Hillsides' children

Holidays are a time to pass down many traditions from one generation to another. This season is also perfect to share the spirit of philanthropy. One service club is spreading holiday spirit and bringing joy to vulnerable children in their own community.

Organized by South Pasadena Royal Lions Club, along with Alhambra Lions Club and Taiwan Benevolent Association of California, the toy drive will bring smiles to children served by Hillsides, a foster care children’s charity. Donors participating in this philanthropic effort will help Hillsides fulfill holiday wishes for vulnerable children and families.

“Christmas is a time of giving, and what better way to give than to help children in need by putting a present under the tree” said Judy Chen, president of South Pasadena Royal Lions Club. “The stimulation, happiness and memories that toys provide are very important to the growth of children, and we’re helping to put toys into the hands of those who are in foster care or suffer from emotional challenges.”

“While Hillsides strives to give children new traditions and experiences that will create happy memories, we can only do this with the support of the community who helps us provide the extras for our children,” said Joseph Costa, Hillsides’ chief executive officer.

As a Pasadena foster care charity founded in 1913, Hillsides creates safe places for vulnerable children and their families by providing residential care, mental health services, transitional living and housing, special education, and advocacy. Hillsides encourages individuals to support its effort to provide holiday toys and wishes to these children and others in the community.
Donors can donate unwrapped toys at two locations until December 24: Lunasia Chinese Restaurant, 500 W. Main Street, #A, Alhambra, CA 91801or 2111 N. San Gabriel Blvd. #D, Rosemead, CA 91770.

“We’re grateful to service groups for including our children this holiday season,” said Costa, who added that the charity serves 6,900 children and families annually. “Hillsides is able to continue creating safe places for children and families because of our community’s philanthropic efforts.”
Lions Clubs empower volunteers to serve their communities, meet humanitarian needs, encourage peace and promote international understanding. They meet the needs of local communities and the world with more than 1.35 million members in 206 countries, sharing a core belief – community is what we make it. Since 1917, Lions clubs have aided the blind and visually impaired and made a strong commitment to community service and serving youth throughout the world. For more information about Lions Clubs International, visit the Web site at www.lionsclubs.org.

To learn how you can help children and families in need, call Laura Kelso at 323-254-2274, ext. 251. To learn more about Hillsides, visit www.Hillsides.org.