Community Makes City Toy and Food Drive Possible

Donations have been down this year, but members of the Murrieta community will still have more this season thanks to their neighbors.

The trailer next to the Murrieta Community Center has filled up and emptied out over the last few weeks as donations have come in, only to to be distributed quickly to local organizations who serve those in need.

Through its annual Holiday Toy and Food Drive, the city of Murrieta Community Services Department has been able to give truckloads to Temecula Valley People Helping People, Salvation Army in Murrieta, VFW and Murrieta United Methodist Church, according to Laura Frasso, special events coordinator for the city of Murrieta.

In turn, the organizations are able to help those who come to them for assistance.

While many of the items are collected from residents who bring them by designated drop-off spots, more is collected through the city's annual Santa stops in Murrieta neighborhoods. Residents are encouraged to bring donations when Santa stops on the white star on their street.

"We really appreciate all the people who give the cans and toys at the Santa stops," Frasso said. "In a difficult economy like this, it is nice that neighbors want to help each other out."

Frasso said organizing the toy and food drive is a huge undertaking, but that it is definitely a "team effort."

"Jeri Copeland, recreation supervisor, oversees the toy and food drive and works all year building and maintaining relationships with all the organizations," Frasso said.

"She puts in a lot of time and effort while also overseeing the Murrieta Senior Center at the same time."

Residents who still wish to donate can do so until Tuesday by dropping off unwrapped toys or nonperishable food items to the , the or .

In addition, the Santa stops that were rescheduled from Dec. 9 to Dec. 15 due to rain, have again been

"Also, many of our schools hold toy and food drives and bring the items to us to distribute--we couldn't give what we give without their help," Frasso said.

"We are very grateful that we can do this every year for the community."