UPDATE: The Salvation Army in San Diego is urgently seeking over 400 toy donations to ensure that local families can celebrate a joyful Christmas this year. With just one week remaining before distribution begins, the organization reports a critical shortage of toys for children of all ages.
Inside the Salvation Army Kroc Center warehouse, toys like basketballs, dolls, and colored markers are piled high, but the collection still falls far short of what’s required. Glynis Eckert, director of marketing for the Kroc Center, emphasized the importance of donations, stating, “Even like a Barbie house, this is something that we’ll put aside specifically for a family that maybe we know had a bit extra difficult time this year.”
The organization is facing a significant gap in toy donations, particularly for older children, as Janet Reade, director of volunteers and community engagement, noted. “The age groups that we get the most donations for tend to be younger children, but our pre-selected families can register their children of all ages, from 0 to 12,” she said.
Time is running out for families hoping for a festive season. Next week, parents will select and collect toys for their children, with the Salvation Army aiming to provide each parent with three to four toys per child. “We, of course, are hoping to have every parent be able to get three or four toys for their children,” Eckert added.
If the toy shortage persists, the Salvation Army may face financial strain as it will need to purchase toys out of pocket. This could jeopardize the organization’s broader mission of spreading holiday cheer in the community.
The Salvation Army aims to create a full Christmas experience for families, including not just toys but also gift wrap, bows, and food boxes. “When they go home, and they’re wrapping all their toys for their family, they feel like they’ve had the Christmas experience,” Eckert explained.
Donations can be made in person at the Kroc Center, online, or through monetary contributions. The organization urges the community to act quickly to help those in need this holiday season.
For more information or to donate, please visit the Salvation Army’s website.
