Bella Beach Kids Brightens Holidays For Others In Manhattan Beach

MANHATTAN BEACH, CA — Nearly 100 kids received toy/gift bags from Bella Beach Kids just in time for Christmas. Owner Kris Mackerer D'Errico, who grew up in Manhattan Beach, and Heather D'Errico put the toy drive together to deliver toys to nearby restaurant workers from Downtown Manhattan Beach whose incomes and work hours had been cut due to the pandemic.

"We had so much fun with the Holiday Happy Toy Drive," Kris told Manhattan Beach Patch. "Lots of Happy tears were shed. It really brought the Christmas spirit alive."

The bags included fun items and some practical ones, too, such as a fun washable face mask, cozy blankets, bathrobes, family games, plush animals, arts & crafts, a pair of sunglasses thanks to Hang Ten Kids, a holiday ornament and many other fun items.

Heather and Kris Mackerer D'Errico donned Kris' moms' custom made ski suits to add festive spirit to the gift giving. Maureen McBride, owner of Tabula Rasa Essentials, jumped in to assist, said Kris.

"People were just so thankful with tears in their eyes," she said. "They were so appreciative that people cared. The kids were excited to receive these special packages."

A Simmzy's employee used her holiday ornament of a little "Christmas santa baby" to announce her pregnancy on social media.

"A giant 'Thank you' to everyone who donated to the Holiday Fund," remarked Kris, "to everyone who shopped with us this holiday season and throughout the year. We so appreciate you. We are truly blessed to live in such an amazing community, with so many caring individuals. It takes a village, and we need you now more than ever.

"We need to continue that giving spirit into the New Year. Our town needs you more than ever," she noted.