For the last 25 years, the Solana Beach School District’s Child Development Center has held its annual Thanksgiving Turkey and Food Drive, a beloved tradition that has supported families across San Diego with a special holiday meal.
Since 2000, the Solana Beach Child Development Center (SBCDC) has partnered on the drive with Harmonium, a nonprofit social services agency that runs more than 80 free before- and after-school programs in San Diego. According to a district news release, children in these programs rely on school meals and after-school snacks as their primary source of nutrition.
What began with support for 15 families has grown into an outreach effort that has provided as many as 105 complete Thanksgiving dinners. This year’s collection once again brought together SBCDC families, staff and local supporters to donate Thanksgiving staples, non-perishable items and frozen turkeys.
“It’s inspiring to see our community come together every year to contribute to the food drive,” said Tiffany Baker, CDC program specialist in the news release. “Even from behind the scenes, knowing that our efforts help families celebrate Thanksgiving with a full meal is incredibly rewarding.”
SBCDC has now launched its annual Toy Drive, which provides a new holiday gift for every child served through the district’s outreach partnerships. The gifts are delivered the week before winter break.
“These longstanding traditions reflect the generosity and compassion of our community,” said SBSD Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Burks in the news release. “We are grateful to the families, staff, and volunteers who make the Turkey & Food Drive and Toy Drive meaningful celebrations of giving that continue to impact the lives of so many.”
Community members are encouraged to participate by donating now through Dec. 12 at the district office at 309 North Rios Avenue in Solana Beach. Gifts should be for children ages 4-14 in the $15 to $25 price range. All gifts must be new and unwrapped.