MECCA (CNS) - The Galilee Center put out a last-minute plea today for donations and volunteers in preparation for its 10th annual Christmas Eve toy and bike giveaway.
Organizers are expecting upwards of 1,500 children to attend, with 700 of them receiving bicycles that have already been procured. However, additional toys, plus volunteers to work the event, are still needed, according to Lupe Torres-Hilario, director of services for the center, who said the youngsters who do not receive bikes can expect two to three toys each.
The toy giveaway is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday. Volunteers are asked to arrive at 9 a.m. at the Galilee Center, which is located at 66101 Hammond Road in Mecca.
Donations can still be dropped off at:
-- Albertsons Rancho Mirage, 40101 Monterey Ave.;
-- Albertsons Palm Springs, 1751 N. Sunrise Way #1;
-- Augustine Casino, 84-001 Avenue 54, Coachella; and
-- MSA Consulting Inc., 34200 Bob Hope Drive, Rancho Mirage.
Volunteers can email Torres-Hilario at ltorresgalileecenter.org, or call 760-396-9100.
For those who are not able to drop off a gift or volunteer, the nonprofit welcomes general donations. A gift of $25 can feed a family of four for four days, organizers said. To donate, go to https://galileecenter.org/donations/donate-form/.
Since 2010, the nonprofit Galilee Center has provided needy families in the eastern Coachella Valley with food, clothing, rental and utility assistance, along with temporarily shelter and laundry services for migrant farm workers.