Orange : Christmas Brings More Gifts for Orangewood

In contrast to the shortage of donations to the Toys for Tots program and other charitable organizations this Christmas, contributions for the Orangewood Children’s Home were up this season, a spokesman said.

Bill Steiner, executive director of the Orangewood Children’s Foundation, which oversees the shelter for abused and neglected children, said that through Christmas Eve, hundreds of toys, stuffed animals, bicycles and clothing had been brought to the center. About 170 children were given individually wrapped gifts by volunteers and Orangewood staff members.

In addition, the center received a sizable amount in cash donations, he said. The biggest contributor was the El Camino Real Junior Women’s Club, which donated $9,700.

“The holidays are especially tough for these kids,” Steiner said. “Fortunately, their lives were brightened somewhat through the efforts of many people who really care about them.”