Malls Help Fill Wishes Of Needy Children At Christmas

TAMPA BAY, FL — Dec. 7 is National Letter Writing Day and the girls and boys across Tampa Bay will be drafting their letters to Santa to ask him for the must-have gifts this Christmas. But sometimes Santa needs help collecting and delivering toys to the area’s underprivileged children.

Here are some ways you can help make sure all Tampa Bay children have a merry Christmas.

• Westfield Brandon - Sincerely Santa

Sincerely Santa has been a holiday staple that shoppers look forward to supporting each year. Westfield Brandon has partnered with Sincerely Santa for many years to collect toys for underprivileged children in the community. Sincerely Santa will be set up inside the mall near Dillard’s to collect toys through Dec. 20.

You can also help The Greyhound Gang of Florida, which re-homes former racing dogs.

From December 14-24, The Greyhound Gang of Florida will be gift wrapping for donations in their location down by Dillard's. All proceeds will benefit The Greyhound Gang of Florida.

• Westfield Countryside - Salvation Army Angel Tree

Westfield Countryside is partnering with the Salvation Army Angel Tree on its annual toy drive. Donations of toys for local children will be accepted at the Angel Tree, located on the upper level near Build-A-Bear, through Dec. 11.

Westfield Countryside is also a pop-up location host for The Arc Tampa Bay Foundation's 36th Annual Festival of Trees. Visit the pop up through Dec. 4 on the lower level near Victoria's Secret.

• Westfield Citrus Park - Gift Wrap Fundraiser

From December 18-24, Sickles High School will be gift wrapping for donations in their location down by Macy's. All proceeds will benefit Sickles High School.

• Westshore Plaza - Tampa's Ugly Sweater Holiday Run 5K

WestShore Plaza is hosting Tampa’s first official Ugly Sweater Holiday Run 5k on Dec. 6 to benefit of Finn’s Fighters, a local nonprofit whose mission is to increase awareness of pediatric cancer and support families facing medical crisis in the Tampa Bay area. Celebrate the holiday season with friends and family at a fun 5k run/walk at WestShore Plaza. The first 400 finishers will receive the ugliest medal around. Overall winners will receive prizes and the race will conclude with an after-party at the WestShore Plaza Irish31. There will be a virtual race option for those who cannot attend. Registration includes a race bib, race day T-shirt, medals for the first 400 finishers, a swag bag and access to the after-party and costume contest with a drink ticket and appearance by Santa. Click here to register.

Santa's Stories - On Dec. 10 from 6 to 7:30 p.m., Mrs. Claus will read a few of Santa's favorite stories to children near Center Court. There also will be cookies and milk, GoGo Squeez and visits from special characters.
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• Hyde Park Village - Poinsettias in the Park

Join Hyde Park Village for Poinsettias in the Park, a poinsettia market benefiting Make a Wish from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Sunday, Dec. 20. The market is located in Snow Circle Shops next to the Wine Exchange Thursday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Poinsettias are priced $35 for a 10-inch pot, $20 for an 8-inch pot, $10 for a 6-inch pot and $5 for a 4-inch pot.

• Tampa Premium Outlets - Tampa Bay Moms Group's Holiday Market

On Saturday, Dec. 5 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Tampa Premium Outlets will host a Tampa Bay Moms Group's Holiday Market featuring more than 100 local small businesses with gifts to complete your shopping lists. Center Court will be filled with a variety of vendors including personal services, hand made items and more.

Tampa Premium Outlets will also collect nonperishable food as well as new unwrapped toys for families in need.

The Rotary Club of Wesley Chapel will host an Angel Tree at Tampa Premium Outlets. Stop by and choose a child's name from the tree and fulfill his gift wish. Rotary volunteers will be near the large holiday tree display Dec. 5-6 and Dec. 12-13 from noon to 5 p.m. You can also drop off your gifts with the tag you chose at the Tampa Premium Outlets management office Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Disney store at the Tampa Premium Outlets is a donation destination for Toys for Tots this holiday season. Disney will donate $1 to Toys for Tots for every new, unwrapped toy donated at the Disney store through Dec. 13.

• The Shops at Wiregrass - Benefit Car & Truck Show

The Shops at Wiregrass will host a benefit Car & Truck Show featuring classic and custom cars Sunday, Dec. 6 from noon to 4 p.m. Bring a toy or purchase a gift card for Mason Dixon's Christmas Wish Fund to benefit area families in need this holiday season. For car registration information, visit PremiumCarShows.com.