When talking about community involvement, the Colton Lions Club is one of the more active organizations that need to be in the conversation. For the third year in a row, this spirited group of Colton residents has trumpeted the idea of a toy drive for our community youth, especially those who may need a little boost to their Christmas wishes.
Over the weekend, the Lions Club did not disappoint. Approximately 20 members gathered at the Stater Bros. parking lot to set up a makeshift booth for their toy drive, complete with banners, refreshments, and the Lions Christmas Dog. From 8:00 am to 2:00 pm, the dedicated members collected several hundred toys that were donated from the community, business partners, and people who drove by.
By the end of the day, the Lions Club collected over 200 toys and several cash donations from passersby who just wanted to help. Of special note were the Entertainers Car Club which brought about 100 toys, and the Flag Towing Company of Colton which made a generous $500 donation in support of the effort. “Everything helps and is appreciated,” says Erik Morden, President of the Colton Lions.
Dr. G, Council Member, and well-known community advocate stopped by the Stater Bros. parking lot to see the operation in progress. When Dr. G arrived, the operation was in full force, with members, visitors, and several individuals driving up to offer more donations. “This was the place to be on Saturday,” says Dr. G, who added, “I’m so proud of the fact that residents step up to help those in need…what a blessing.”
All of the toys that were collected will be distributed to families on the south side of the city. Lions Club member Carlos Ariza, explained, “This coming Saturday, December 17, will be our toy giveaway.” Cynthia Calderilla, another member added, “The youth in the community will be invited to Pepper’s Park with their parents, and will have an opportunity to choose a toy for Christmas.”
Under the leadership of President Erik Morden, the local Lions Club is fast becoming well-known for its community service. This Annual Toy Drive has become a major project for the Lions Club and over time, more community members are participating. Members of the Colton Lions Club who helped at the Colton Lions Toy Drive were Carlos Araiza, Geny Jaquez, Carmen Lozolla, Evelyn Lopez, Fred Calderilla, Ed Morden, Erik Morden, Soledad Morden, Cynthia Calderilla, Tommy Gaitan, Christina Gaitan, Linda Fernandez, Pablo Ramirez, Adriana Trujillo, Irene Robles, Linda Petite, F Javier Servin, Mark Garcia, and Sandra Tucker. For more information about the Colton Lions Club, contact President Erik Morden @ 909-731-9124.
For more information about CITY TALK, various community events and groups, Colton history, the trash clean-up project, the G-Team, prayer list, history briefs, Veteran Spotlight, Church Spotlight, Business Spotlight, U.S. Flag Watch, neighborhood meetings, community projects, or the online live-stream programs, contact Dr.G @ 909-213-3730. Questions and comments are always welcome.