With the holiday season fastly approaching, the City of Colton Community Services announced the Holiday Help Program on Nov. 3.
Residents of Colton are welcome to donate and request gift cards for their families through the Gonzales Community Center on 670 Colton Ave. and Luque Community Center on 294 E O St. until Dec. 4.
For nearly 20 years, the City of Colton Community Services coordinated this program to help families-in-need with children under 18 years old. However, this year is crucial for many families affected by the coronavirus pandemic.
Recreation Coordinator Kelly Phelps explains how the Holiday Help program is completely sponsored by donations. The City of Colton Community Services reached out to several businesses located in Colton and cities nearby for their support in raising money for the program. So far, many businesses, individuals and families have contributed a large amount of money and gift cards, according to Phelps.
Residents interested in donating gift cards are welcome to drop them off at the Gonzales Community Center during the times of 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Monday through Friday or visit the Luque Community Center by appointment by calling (909) 370-5087. However, both centers will be closed on Nov. 26 and 27 for the Thanksgiving holiday.
Through these contributions, the Holiday Help Program provides different types of gift cards for families to use. One major gift card purchase of the program is for $50 gift cards to Food For Less or another market in Colton.
“We provide gift cards to places like Food For Less that are local, so families can easily buy food to treat their families to a special holiday dinner,” said Phelps.
In addition to providing families with a gift card to purchase food, Phelps added that several families will also receive gift cards of smaller amounts for stocking stuffers. Some stores and fast-food restaurants including Dollar Tree, 99 Cents Only Stores, Target, Wal-Mart, P & G Burgers and Wendy’s.
Families interested in requesting gift cards will need to fill out an application. Through filling out an application, the City of Colton Community Services can verify eligibility. However, eligibility cannot be verified over the phone or by email.
By visiting the Gonzales or Luque Community Center, residents can pick up an application during hours of operation, except for Nov. 26 and 27 for Thanksgiving. Also, applications can be received by emailing Recreation Specialist Crystal Alcantar for residents to fill out and bring back to either center.
Even though the deadline is on Dec. 4, families may still apply to receive gift cards through the Holiday Help Program. Phelps mentioned that people applying after the deadline will be placed on a waitlist. If additional funds are still available for gift cards, they will go toward these applicants.
“We have a lot of programs in place to really just help and give back to the community during this time,” said Phelps.
For further questions or more information about donating gift cards, contact Phelps through email. To learn more about requesting gift cards through the Holiday Help Program, call Alcantar at (909) 370 – 5548.
For more local news and information click here.