Coachella Valley Rescue Mission To Host Toy Giveaway

INDIO, CA — The Coachella Valley Rescue Mission in Indio will host its annual toy giveaway Saturday where thousands of toys will be distributed amid a drive-up format aimed at curbing the spread of coronavirus.

Santa and Mrs. Claus are slated to participate by waving to children from afar as they scoop up their gifts in time for Christmas in a bid to keep the affair in line with COVID-19 protocols.

The event begins at 7 a.m. and will last until the toys run out. Despite the drive-up aspect, organizers say those without vehicles can still participate.

"It's drive up-only, but if we have people who do not have transportation, they can walk up and we can serve them individually in a separate area," Development Director Scott Wolf said.

The event typically sees about 15,000 toys distributed to an estimated 5,000 children, but it's unclear how the pandemic will affect turn out.

Wolf said toy donations have flooded in from across the Coachella Valley.

Unlike prior years, the event will not include a random giveaway of bicycles.

Those wishing to volunteer for the giveaway were asked to call 760-347- 3512, ext. 221.

The rescue mission is located at 47470 Van Buren St. in Indio.

—City News Service