Barbie, books and board games are being sought in Rancho Mirage.
The city is lending Santa Claus a helping hand by collecting toys for children at the Coachella Valley Rescue Mission (CVRM), a safe haven for the Valley’s homeless and needy, including children. City leaders are encouraging residents to join them in giving.
The CVRM needs new, unwrapped toys for boys and girls (infant to 12 year.) Some holiday favorites include dolls, books, games, skateboards, sports equipment, action figures, Legos, cars, trucks and, of course, Barbie.
A donation box can be found in the lobby of Rancho Mirage City Hall, 69-825 Highway 111 and at the Rancho Mirage Public Library, 71-100 Highway 111 until Friday, Dec. 15.
Each night across America more than one million children have no place to call home let alone dream of a visit from Santa, according to the CVRM. It says:
- Children and families make up the fastest growing segment of the homeless population.
- There are as many as 500,000 families in shelters nationwide and 1.35 million homeless children each year.
- Over half of homeless families have been homeless for 6 months or more.
- The average homeless child in America is only 6 years old.
If you would like to donate but can’t get to City Hall or the city Library, visit www.CVRM.org for all donation drop off locations throughout the Coachella Valley.
Since 1971, the CVRM has worked to meet the ever-growing need of individuals who need the basic necessities of life. The staff annually serves more than 175,000 hot meals and provides shelter to thousands of men and women with children. Food, clothing, and showers are also provided for those who do not shelter with us.
CVRM is a four-star charity.
