Gifts for the holidays: How to donate and receive children’s gifts from Sacramento area groups
The season of giving is ramping up in Sacramento as families prepare for the holidays. For those looking to donate and families in need looking to provide a gift for Christmas or Kwanzaa, here’s a list of groups looking to give back in the capital region.
Louisiana Heaven’s Second Annual Toy Drive
Louisiana Heaven is located at 6623 Valley Hi Drive, where its Second Annual Toy Drive will be held. The restaurant will be distributing gifts to families in need at 1 p.m. Saturday.
Donations will be accepted through Friday. There to pass out gifts to families will be Santa and his little helpers. There will also be a special performance by Larriah Jackson, a Sacramento resident and former contestant on “The Voice.”
Those who intend to donate are encouraged to bring an unwrapped gift.
Cameron Champ Foundation Toy Drive
Professional golfer and Sacramento-area native Cameron Champ is giving back to the community with a toy drive hosted by his nonprofit organization, the Cameron Champ Foundation.
This holiday season, Champ is bringing the spirit Sunday to Bennett’s Kitchen Bar Market, 1595 Eureka Road, Roseville. The Cameron Champ Foundation Toy Drive will be held from 2 to 5 p.m.
All ages are welcome. Those who wish to donate are encouraged to bring an unwrapped gift or a gift card for a child between the ages 8 to 13. Those who donate will also receive a $10 gift card.
There will be an appetizer buffet, beer and wine. The Cameron Champ Foundation will distribute all gifts to local families in need. The Cameron Champ Foundation says it is committed to unlocking the dreams and transforming the lives of youth from underserved and underrepresented communities through a focus on athletics, academics, and healthy living.
To learn more, visit cameronchampfoundation.org. Those interested in participating and attending the event should RSVP.
Voice of the Youth: Second Annual 2,000 Gift Giveaway
Voice of the Youth, a Sacramento nonprofit organization, is hosting its second annual gift giveaway. Last year, the group had an original goal of 1,000 gifts to give to families in need.
Once the word got out, VOY was able to double its goal and distribute nearly 2,000 gifts ranging from clothes, shoes, toys, games, scooters, bicycles and more.
The giveaway will be held in front of the Hidden Gems Thrift Store, 2245 Florin Road, Suite 12. Distribution will be on Dec. 19, starting at 11 a.m.
The goal this year is to provide 200 families gifts for their children during this holiday season. Families are encouraged to register for the event through an online form. Registration closes Sunday.
Donations can be made through VOY’s donation link, PayPal, or through CashApp by sending to the tag $BerryAccius. For more information, contact Berry Accius at 916-949-9026 or voygiftgiveaway@gmail.com.
Illicit Community Toy Drive
Four local DJs are teaming up with the Pannell Meadowview Community Center and Mack Road Valley Hi Community Center to supply gifts to children in those areas.
Also, they will sponsor a low-income family from one of the centers. The four DJs: DJ Boo, DJ Kay Boso, DJ Goofy Q, and DJ Cool Code are asking for additional donations for anyone interested in sponsoring a child with a gift.
The last day to donate any toys or gift cards for their Christmas Toy Drive is Dec. 15. They plan to distribute the gifts Dec. 18.
Project Optimism Presents: The Power of Giving
Project Optimism has partnered with San Juan Unified School District, Impound Comics, R&B artist, Yelly, Red Dog Real Estate, Mutual Assistance Network, and the Kimpton Sawyer Hotel to present its fourth annual gift and toy drive called the Power of Giving.
Project Optimism is a nonprofit organization that brings hope through community engagement and personal development programs and curriculums. Their aim is to address the various achievement gaps that exist for historically underserved communities.
The gifts and toys will be handed out from 11 a.m to 3 p.m. Dec. 19 at 3738 Walnut Ave., Arden Arcade.
Their team is looking forward to serving students and families during the holiday season. One of the drop-off locations is Impound Comics, 500 J St., Suite 155.
Families are encouraged to register via Eventbrite. Attendees should be sure to arrive at their selected time and check in to receive a ticket for each child.
Registrants must have identification — a state ID card or driver’s license, passport, consular card or green card. Two children per family registration can be accommodated. Tickets will be exchanged for each toy received.
Ceaze the Moment Christmas Toy Drive
Ceaze The Moment, a nonprofit organization based in Oak Park, is planning to host its annual Christmas Toy Drive and will be collecting new toys and monetary donations through Dec. 21.
The group will distribute toys to children throughout the Sacramento region in different communities, including local receiving homes and hospitals. Ceaze The Moment is seeking drop-off locations; for those interested, reach out to Ceaze The Moment on Instagram.
Monetary donations and sponsorships should be sent to Julius Douglas through Venmo, @julius-douglas or through the Cash App tag $CTMoment.
Urban Legendz 8th Annual Toy & Blanket Giveback
The 8th Annual Toy and Blanket Giveback presented by Urban Legendz will take place on Dec. 23. Leading up to the date, Erick Davies, founder of Urban Legendz, is looking for business and brands to partner with to put a donation drop box into different locations.
Davies is still accepting all donations, between now and the date of distribution. Those looking to donate can do so at the GoFundMe page created.
Over the last seven years, Davies has collaborated with different artists, local brands and companies to gather toys and blankets for the children and adults who are in less fortunate positions that might not have the opportunity to enjoy the holidays in typical fashion.
Davies is a local artist and entrepreneur from Sacramento, who is better known as, King Deezy.
This story was originally published December 9, 2021 at 4:00 PM.