RETAIL / TOURISM
Read All About It: Laguna Hills Mall considers its Christmas campaign to combat illiteracy a resounding success. Shoppers donated 3,215 books to Human Options, a shelter for abused women and children in Laguna Beach. The response was so overwhelming that books will be sent to two other shelters as well.
Fifty people volunteered to tutor people to read through the South Coast Literacy Council.
Shoppers bought gifts for each of the 2,500 underprivileged children whose names were hung on an “Angel Tree.” With names in hand, patrons bought a gift for a child and returned it to the mall in the program sponsored by the Salvation Army. In addition, MacMillan Publishing Co. also contributed a book to each child.
A separate “Santa Claws and Paws” program raised $4,500 for the San Clemente Animal Shelter. Pet lovers brought in their pooch to have its picture taken with Santa, who was played by local veterinarians. The program also resulted in the donation of 200 books.
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