City and Local Organizations Prepare for Annual Block Party

The Redlands Police Department and Redlands Quality of Life Recreation Division will hold the 17th Annual Christmas Block Party Saturday, Dec. 13, at the Redlands Community Center. The annual Christmas Party was created to assist families who are unable to enjoy the luxuries of a traditional Christmas celebration, particularly providing toys and presents for their children. Considering the number of low-income families, those in need and those who are unemployed in Redlands, the Redlands Police Department, Quality of Life Department, local businesses and numerous volunteers have come together each year to assist local families. Each of these groups and organizations is working to provide toys, food, bicycles, games and crafts to children during the annual block party, scheduled from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Dec. 13, at the Redlands Community Center, 111 W. Lugonia Ave. Between 3,000 and 5,000 families attend this event each year. For many of the children, this will be the only “Christmas” they receive. In addition to providing gifts, donated by various community groups, the celebration will also provide youth and children the opportunity to showcase their talents. Contests will be conducted throughout the event. The City of Redlands Recreation Division and Redlands Police Department along with several local businesses are currently collecting toys for this year’s event. This year’s toy drive is critically important. Grant funding has been limited for the past several years and the toy drive will be a major contributor to the toys/gifts given to the children this year. In previous years, the toy drives have matched the gifts purchased through grant funding allowing more than 1,000 gifts/toys to be donated to our community, local shelters and families in crisis. In 2013, Hangar 24 Charities, Larry Jacinto Farming, the Redlands Police Officers Association, Toyota of Redlands, the Northside Impact Committee, and various community members helped to fund the event. Many local stores such as Oscar’s Restaurant, Toyota of Redlands and Redlands Family Restaurant went above and beyond in toy donations hosting toy drives. All monetary and toy donations will assist in providing toys, food, bicycles, games and crafts to children during the annual block party. Toyota of Redlands, Redlands Ford, and Redlands Metro Nissan have joined in the spirit of giving also. Toyota of Redlands is offering a 10 percent discount on all parts and service for all toys of $10 value or more donated. All makes and models are welcome. Community members are invited to join in the spirit of giving by donating new, unwrapped toys for children between the ages of 4 and 12. Toys may be dropped off through Dec. 12 at the following locations throughout the city: - Toyota of Redlands – 921 New York St. - Redlands Ford – 1121 W. Colton Ave. - Redlands Metro Nissan – 1665 Industrial Park Ave. - Gerrards Market -705 W. Cypress Ave. - Redlands Family Restaurant-107 E. Colton Ave. - A.K. Smiley Public Library – 125 E. Vine St. - Redlands Olive Avenue Market – 530 W. Olive Ave. - Oscar's Restaurant -19 N. 5th St. - DenM Shop – 18 E. State St - Barton Road Kindercare – 1609 Calvary Circle - Friday Night Live Student Club, Citrus Valley High School - Hogi Yogi – 501 E. Citrus Ave. - Redlands Community Center - 111 W. Lugonia Ave. - Redlands Police Department - 1270 W. Park Ave. For additional information on the Children’s Christmas Block Party, contact Officer Elyzabeth Green at 909-798-7534 ext 2.