Giving Tuesday In Orange County This Christmas, Share Joy

ORANGE COUNTY, CA —It is almost Giving Tuesday, once again! One of my fondest memories of childhood was a Christmas shopping trip with my mother, when she handed me a card for a boy named Ruben. He was my age, about 13 at the time, and his Christmas wish list nearly brought me to my knees.

This was 1980-something. My wish list to the man in red included a stack of newly pressed record albums and a turntable to play them on. I asked for a Sony Walkman and a telephone for my room. Possibly a Swatch watch.

Ruben's list included a warm coat. A new pair of shoes without holes, and socks to go with them. He wanted something they could cook for Christmas dinner.

We attacked his Christmas list with abandon, finding what he asked for and doubling, tripling his requests. We filled a bag with clothes, necessities, and a portable radio like I had wanted. Of all the Christmases in memory, this is the one that stands out most of all.

This year across Orange County, you can have the opportunity to provide Christmas to someone in need, as well. The Share Our Selves campaign offers you a chance to do just that. Interested parties can Adopt a Family, hold a Toy Drive or Food Drive, and better still, Volunteer, according to a release from the OC Fair and Event center.

December 16-19, 2019 OC Fair & Event Center Celebrating 50 years!

Since 1969, Share Our Shelves has been linking generous community members with families in need of extra support during the holidays. This holiday season marks the 50th year of the Share Our Selves annual Adopt A Family Program. This wonderful holiday tradition supports many struggling Orange County families by providing gifts and food for the holidays.

This year, the Adopt A Family Program will connect donors with more than 1,400 families with children recommended by Costa Mesa and Santa Ana organizations and schools. The event will take place at the OC Fair & Event Center from December 16-19, 2019.

Irvine:

Stuff a Bus with area firefighters at Orange County Great Park in the City of Irvine on Dec. 13

8000 Great Park Boulevard, Irvine 92618 - (818) 863-7220

Newport Beach:

The city of Newport Beach supports Operation Christmas For Our Troops & Their Families to make the holidays brighter for military personnel and their families.

Interested community members may drop off new, unwrapped toys and sports equipment, new or used DVDs, and gift cards at the following locations:

• Newport Beach City Hall, 100 Civic Center Drive - Revenue (1A), Community Development (1C), City Clerk's Office (2E)
• OASIS Senior Center, 801 Narcissus Avenue
• Newport Coast Community Center, 6401 San Joaquin Hills Road
• Marina Park Community & Sailing Center, 1600 W. Balboa Blvd.
• Police Department, 870 Santa Barbara Drive
• Balboa Peninsula Fire Station #1, 110 E. Balboa Blvd.
• Lido Fire Station #2, 475 32nd Street
• Fashion Island Fire Station #3, 868 Santa Barbara Drive
• Balboa Island Fire Station #4, 124 Marine Avenue
• Corona del Mar Fire Station #5, 410 Marigold Avenue
• Mariners Fire Station #6, 1348 Irvine Avenue
• Santa Ana Heights Fire Station #7, 20401 Acacia Street
• Newport Coast Fire Station #8, 6502 Ridge Park Road
• Newport Beach Central Library, 1000 Avocado Avenue
• Balboa Library, 100 E. Balboa Blvd.
• Crean Mariners Library, 1300 Irvine Avenue
• Corona del Mar Library, 410 Marigold Avenue

Donations will be accepted now through 12 p.m. on Monday, December 23. Military personnel pick up donations on the afternoon of Monday, December 23.

Gift ideas for donation:

Non Gender Specific

• MP3 players
• Cameras
• Watches
• Jewelry
• Sunglasses
• Ear buds or headphones
• Cellphone cases

Boys

• Skateboards
• Razor scooters
• Basketballs
• soccer balls
• footballs

Girls

• Cross-body purses/bags
• Make-up brushes
• Blow dryers
• Flat irons
• Hot iron tools