As we continue to prepare for Christmas, I realize that this is a particularly challenging year. The need for emergency food and assistance has grown and therefore the need for Christmas food and toys has increased as well.

We are expecting to serve over 3000 families this season. That should mean providing food for each family and about 25,000 toys to kids in need.

The Bakersfield Toy Run always comes through with a generous  collection of toys and food as well as some cash to help us to do the Christmas distribution. The challenge is that there is still more need than what we have received so far. We need at least another 5000 toys to make sure that everyone applying gets what they need.

You can help! Bring us toys. Ages 9 to 12 toys for both boys and girls are needed.

We also need lots of volunteers to help us sort the toys and food and assemble the boxes of food and the bags of toys for needy kids.

We are located at the Kern County Fairgrounds in the Fine Arts Building (gate 27) from 9 am till 8 pm Monday through Friday and 9 to 2 on Saturdays. It all has to be done by the 16th.

Will you help us make the Christmas season better for kids and families in need? Come and volunteer and bring toys as well.

You can donate toys at:

• The Bakersfield Community Site at the fairgrounds
• All City Fire Dept. Locations
• All Russo Book Stores
• Stars Gymnastics
• Pacific Shore Mortgage - 3977 Coffee Road#C
• Grocery Outlet
• Bakersfield Symphony- Nutcracker Performances
• Renaissance Design Studio on 18th Street
• The Salvation Army
• Catholic Charities