TOY DRIVE WILL BENEFIT CHILDREN OF FIRE FAMILIES Sponsored by the California Center for the Arts, Escondido
340 North Escondido Boulevard
Escondido, California

ESCONDIDO, Calif. (Nov. 1, 2007) - Due to the devastating fires, children from needy families whose parents might be unable to buy them even a single toy for the holidays will suffer twice. Adding to the loss of their homes and belongings there may also be no special joy for them this holiday season.

To help bring happiness to these boys and girls, the California Center for the Arts, Escondido has initiated a toy drive which will start on Sunday, November 11 with the performance of bluegrass band, Cherryholmes and end on Sunday December 16 with the performance of Handel's Messiah.

Vicky Basehore, president of the Center said about the toy drive, "Seeing the sad, confused and frightened faces of these youngsters on TV, and knowing what they suffered, inspired us to do something to help them. The proximity of the holiday season to the fires made a toy drive a natural way to try and bring some joy to their lives. And, to be sure that children truly in need receive the toys, the Salvation Army, whose mission is to help families in need, will distribute the toys."

For those wishing to donate, toys can be delivered Tuesday though Friday to the Center's Administration building. On performance days or nights, toys can be brought to the Center Theater or Concert Hall. For events in the Conference Center, toys can be left in that facility's lobby.