Gifts Urgently Needed To Bring Holiday Joy To OC Families In Need: How To Help

ORANGE COUNTY, CA — Do you want to make someone's holiday season a little bit brighter?

The Orange County Rescue Mission, in partnership with Patterson Autos, urged the local community to help spread holiday cheer to over 300 homeless men, women and children residing at its local campuses.

The donated gifts will ensure that everyone on OC Rescue Mission's campuses can take part in the 17th annual Miracle at the Mission gift exchange event at the Village of Hope.

The event, which takes place on Dec. 19, will feature a festive Christmas party and gift exchange. Children will be able to shop for a special gift for their parents, and adults without children will also receive holiday gifts.

Recommended donation items include:

• Beanies.
• Wallets.
• Watches.
• Journals and pens.
• Hair ties & accessories.
• Reusable water bottles.
• Baseball caps.
• Socks.
• Nail polish.
• Throw blankets.
• Local sports teams fan gear.
• $10 fast food gift cards.
• $10 Walmart or Target gift cards.

Ideal gift ideas for children include:

• Craft kits.
• Paint sets.
• Coloring & sticker books.
• Dolls.
• LEGO sets.
• Toy trains & cars.
• Sports equipment.
• Non-battery operated or USB-connected gifts.

"We're continually moved by the generosity shown to Orange County Rescue Mission, especially during the holiday season," President Bryan Crain told Patch. "These donations help our residents create deeply meaningful holiday memories with their families while continuing to meet their basic needs for essentials and comfort."

Donated items may be dropped off through Thursday, Dec. 18 at all Patterson Autos dealerships in Orange County, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Patterson Autos will also host a special Holiday Winter Wonderland donation event on Dec. 18 to celebrate the grand opening of their Tustin Kia location from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

All donations collected at the event will support OCRM's Miracle at the Mission celebration.

Alternatively, donations can be bought online and delivered to Orange County Rescue Mission at 1 Hope Drive in Tustin.