The holidays are in full swing in the Orchard City and many within Campbell are collecting items for those most in need this season.
Some have been doing drives for multiple years while others are launching their efforts this season.
"I'm incredibly lucky to have a family and warmth and love not only during the holidays, but year round," says Nicole Salacain of the Campbell Patch Mom Squad. "I feel if I can just give a little of that through donating my time and goods it will help warm someone else's heart as well."
Salacain, along with Bethany Curran are in the midst of the Campbell Patch Mom Squad's first Holiday Toy Drive to benefit EMQ Families First.
The two first kicked off the drive on Nov. 16 and because the women have carved a niche in the community writing about their experiences as parents, EMQ was chosen as a beneficiary.
"Staying local is really important to both of us as well as helping children in any and all situations," Salacain says. "Supporting our community is what we're all about!
She says that prior to having children, she worked at a school for children with learning differences and many of those children had behavioral issues as well.
"Watching those children learn and thrive in a specialized program pulled at my heart strings and EMQ goes hand in hand with that for me," she says.
The Campbell Chamber of Commerce, Santa Clara County Fire Department and the Campbell Union School District are also in the midst of their 28th annual Campbell Community Toy Drive to benefit more than 1,300 children from the district. The drive kicked off Nov. 6 and ends Dec. 6.
This year, to accommodate the growth of the drive's benefit night, it will be moved to Nordahl Hall in Los Gatos on Dec. 6, from 5:00-8:00pm. Guests are asked to donate $10 and a new, unwrapped toy.
Another effort going on through Dec. 30 is a gently used children's clothing drive at one of downtown Campbell's newest businesses Stripes Children's Boutique.
The boutique will also give those dropping off donations 10 percent off any purchases of clothing and accessories.
These are just some of the ways Campbell can give back. If we've missed someone or if you know of a drive going on in Campbell, please let us know in the comments section below!
Here are six different ways to give back during this time of year.
1. Food Pantry at Campbell United Church of Christ-Canned Food
This Campbell food pantry helps many families and individuals in Campbell. The pantry is open three days a week,Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, and is always looking for the following items: canned meat, canned dinners and toilet paper. Ongoing.
2. SummerWinds Nursery Campbell-Coat Drive
Drop off your gently used coats at the Campbell store for One Warm Coat and they will be given to families in need. Collecting through Jan. 15, 2013.
3. Recycle Bookstore-Book Drive
This local bookstore is accepting donations of new and very gently used books for the Mercury News' Gift of Reading 2012 through Dec. 16.
4. Stripes Boutique-Clothing Drive
This children's boutique is collecting warm, gently used children's clothing up to size 8 for families this winter through the local non-profit Angel Bear Closet. Collection runs through Dec. 30.
5. Various locations-Campbell Chamber of Commerce and Santa Clara County Fire Department Annual Community Toy Drive
Now in its 28th year, the Campbell Community Toy Drive is looking for donations of new, unwrapped toys to go to local youth through Dec. 6. Toys can be dropped off at any of the fire stations, the Campbell Chamber of Commerce office, Toys Toys Toys, Campbell City Hall, Campbell Library, and the Campbell Community Center.
6. Various locations-Campbell Patch Mom Squad Toy Drive
Campbell Moms and Campbell Patch contributors Bethany Curran and Nicole Salacain, or better known as the Mom Squad are teaming up with Simply Smashing, Toys Toys Toys, Stripes Boutique, Rocket Fizz, Frost Cupcake Factory, Campbell Parent Participation Preschool and The New Jerseys to collect toys for EMQ. The drive runs until Dec. 14.
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