Not Too Late To Spread Christmas Cheer In San Clemente

SAN CLEMENTE, CA — Christmas is creeping closer and closer, San Clemente. While we're sure you are likely up to your ears in holiday preparations (and perhaps shopping lists), there are still a number of Orange County-area charities seeking donations to make the holidays a special time for every person, puppy and sea creature.

We at Patch have compiled a list of Orange County-area charities still accepting donations through Christmas Eve. If you're unable to leave your house, fear not. Many of these charities offer electronic donation options, so you can spread Christmas cheer without even leaving your home.

Orange City Fire Holiday Toy Drive

The annual 2021 Orange City Fire Department Holiday Toy Drive opened its donation bins on Nov. 25, but the fundraiser is still several days from being closed. Residents can donate gifts of new and unwrapped toys at any Orange city fire station, and the gifts will be distributed to local charities and non-profit groups within the Orange community.

The toy drive continues until Christmas Day. Residents can either donate toys by visiting any Orange city fire station or by donating electronically through an online registry. For a list of Orange city fire stations, see below.

• Station 1: 176 South Grand St.
• Station 2: 2900 East Collins Ave.
• Station 3: 1910 North Shaffer St.
• Station 4: 201 S. Esplanade
• Station 5: 1345 West Maple Ave.
• Station 6: 345 City Drive South
• Station 7: 8501 East Fort Rd.
• Station 8: 5725 Carver Ln.

Orange County Rescue Mission

The man, women and children who pass through the gates of the Orange County Rescue Mission come from many walks of life, and each and every one of them are wounded in different ways. The Orange County Rescue Mission seeks to provide life-changing services that are designed to nurture and support Orange County residents experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity.

Residents who would like to donate to the Orange County Rescue Mission this holiday season may donate a cash amount online.

Spark Of Love Toy Drive In Laguna Beach

New and unwrapped toys for Laguna Beach Fire Department's Spark of Love toy drive are being collected through Christmas Eve and can be dropped off at any Laguna Beach fire station.

Fire officials ask residents to help everyone stay safe by ringing the Fire Station doorbell and placing the unwrapped gift in the designated Spark of Love "DropBox" which will be placed outside each Laguna Beach Fire Station.

Toys must be in original packaging, fire officials said. Donated sports equipments, such as balls or tennis racquets, are not required to have a box or package. Clothing, personal care items and blankets can not be distributed.

Toys to consider include board and card games, arts and craft kits, Legos, building blocks, dolls, infant toys, and youth sports equipment of all kinds.

Have questions related to the Spark of Love toy drive? please feel free to contact Captain/Paramedic Pat Cary at pcary@lagunabeachcity.net

Pacific Marine Mammal Center Aid

Do you want to bring holiday cheer to the Northern elephant seals, Pacific harbor seals, and California sea lions that live at the Pacific Marine Mammal Center in Laguna Beach? Here's your chance.

The Pacific Marine Mammal Center rehabilitates and cares for seals found on the coastal shores of Southern California. They also treat small whales and dolphins found between Santa Barbara and San Diego. Residents who are interested in contributing to the Pacific Marine Mammal Center's mission may do so by donating online.

Second Harvest Food Bank Orange County

Give the gift of food security this holiday season by donating to the Second Harvest Food Bank Orange County. Their mission is to end hunger in Orange County, but just as importantly, the nonprofit seeks to provide "dignified, equitable and consistent access to nutritious food," according to its website.

Orange County residents can donate to Second Harvest's mission by contributing electronically. Donations are accepted year-round and funds from donations go toward providing healthy and accessible food to families in Orange County.

Orange County Animal Care

The dogs and cats residing at the Orange County Animal Care facility need your help this season. The department is accepting donations of leashes, collars, crates and more through the holidays. Residents looking to make life a little bit brighter for the furry friends under the care of Orange County Animal Care can do so by donating electronically.

Orange County Animal Care additionally posted an Amazon wishlist, where residents can purchase items and have them shipped directly to the department's facility.