La Mesa Military Families Holiday Project
Join us and assist military families and children living in La Mesa Military HousingLa 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
Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
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 – 7:00 p.m. at BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse – 5500 Grossmont Center Dr. in La Mesa for the final Toy Drive!
Cost*:
Chamber Members: Complimentary
Non-Members/Guests with RSVP: $15
All At Door Guests: $20
*MUST bring a new, unwrapped toy.
The Holidays Just Got a Little Brighter! La Mesa Chamber Members Give the Phrase “There’s No Place Like Home for The Holidays” New Meaning By Collecting Toys for La Mesa Military Families on December 7th
As guests entered BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse on December 7th, for the annual Military Toy Drive party, they were pleasantly surprised. When looking at the display tables filled with all the toys purchased or donated to this toy drive, they were delighted by the overwhelming number of toys. The tables were filled with dolls, trucks, stuffed animals, cars, basketballs, 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 and commitment of our community, in suppport of our families living in La Mesa military housing. The Chamber has a strong belief that being a leader within a 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: Presenting Sponsor, EDCO, joined by Supporting Sponsors, AMR, Kirk Paving, Inc., and Amanda Hammett Insurance & Financial Services – State Farm. A grand total of over 950 toys, books 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. They host holiday events within our region for over 2,000 military children. Representatives from Liberty Military Housing, Cindy Farless and Dan Murphy were on hand to mix and mingle and give guests insight on their organization and particularly our local military families.
Supervisor Joel Anderson sent his representative, Alicia Corona who was assisted by Marc Schaefer, to present the sponsors with certificates of recognition and surprise the volunteer team, with certificates of appreciation, as well.
The Chamber is grateful for Matthew Eastman’s team, who did a wonderful job of keeping the platters filled with piping hot pizzas, pasta dishes and chilled salads and providing excellent service throughout the night. Our special thanks to the dedicated volunteers who assisted, the attendees who donated toys, the sponsors and to the many wonderful community members who dropped off toys and supported this special holiday project!
Photos courtesy of Sandra Small/ Photographer.
