La Mesa Military Families Holiday Project
Join us and assist military families and children living in La Mesa Military HousingLa Mesa Chamber Members and Community Give the Phrase “There’s No Place Like Home for The Holidays” New Meaning By Collecting Toys for La Mesa Military Families
As guests entered BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse on December 5th, for the annual Military Toy Drive party, they were pleasantly surprised. As they walked past the display tables filled with all the toys purchased or donated to this toy drive, they were delighted by the overwhelming number of toys on those tables. There were dolls, trucks, stuffed animals, cars, basketballs, bicycles, footballs, soccer balls, tea sets, miscellaneous games, bike helmets, robots, Lego sets, and everything in between. La Mesa Chamber members, friends and sponsors came together to celebrate the strength of our community in support of our families living in La Mesa military housing. The Chamber has a strong belief that being a leader within the community includes giving back and making a difference.
This is the 7th year that we have assisted these children and their families. We are honored to partner with the following sponsors who helped make this happen: Our Presenting Sponsor, EDCO, was joined by Supporting Sponsors – Amanda Hammett Insurance & Financial Services – State Farm, Cabrillo Credit Union, California Coast Credit Union – La Mesa, Kristie Facto Insurance & Financial Services- State Farm, Lily’s Manufactured Homes, and U.S. Bank. A grand total of 768 toys, and other items were purchased and collected to make the holidays a little brighter for these families. This project is done in partnership with Liberty Military Housing, the group that manages military housing throughout the nation and hosts holiday events for over 2,000 military children in our region. Representatives from Liberty Military Housing, Cindy Farless and her team were on hand to mix and mingle and take the toys with them to deliver to the families. The Chamber wants to acknowledge the fantastic partnership on this project with the La Mesa Police Department. They collected 112 toys through their dedicated efforts this year for these children.
We thank everyone who participated in this project to make it another success. Our special thanks to our business members and community who answered our call for toys and put a smile on the faces of the La Mesa military children. Our special thanks to our photographer, Yvette Zehner and our dedicated volunteer staff who assisted that evening.
La Mesa Military Families Holiday Project 2023
Deadline to Donate: Monday, December 4th
Toy Drive Party: Tuesday, December 5th
The La Mesa Chamber office: 8080 La Mesa Blvd., Suite 214
Tuesday or Thursday, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. to Fran Smith
NOTE: Our office is up two flights of stairs – with no elevator. If you have heavy items, please contact Mary England 619-251-7730 and we can arrange for your items to be picked up or meet you to transfer your items to us. We thank you in advance for your support of our annual charitable projects!
We look forward to putting a smile on the faces of these military children and their families this year.
The deadline to collect these toys is Monday, December 4, 2023.
Toy Drive for La Mesa Military Families & Party at BJ’s
Join us on Tuesday, December 5, 2023 from 5:30 – 7 p.m. at BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse – 5500 Grossmont Center Dr. in La Mesa for the final Toy Drive!
Cost*:
Chamber Members: Free | Guests with RSVP: $15 | At Door Guest: $20
*MUST bring a new, unwrapped toy.
Thank You to Our Sponsors
Presenting Sponsor:
EDCO
Supporting Sponsors:
Amanda Hammett Insurance & Financial Services – State Farm
Cabrillo Credit Union
California Coast Credit Union – La Mesa
Kristie Facto Insurance & Financial Services- State Farm
Lily’s Manufactured Homes
U.S. Bank