AGOURA HILLS : 12th Annual ‘Santa’ Food Drive Planned

Residents of Agoura Hills and surrounding communities are urged to bring non-perishable groceries to the 12th annual “Santa Comes to Agoura” food drive Saturday, which will also feature Santa Claus and other children’s attractions.

Event founder George Annino said he hopes that the drive at Lumber City, 28750 Roadside Drive, Agoura Hills, will yield up to 300 bags of groceries for local families in need and social service organizations.

“People think that just because you live in Agoura Hills, everything is hunky-dory,” Annino said. “But there are plenty of people around who are in need, because of divorces, loss of their jobs or whatever.”

Annino said he hopes to collect food and non-food items, such as toothpaste, shampoo, laundry detergent and more.

The groceries will be distributed to families in the greater Agoura area, as well as to agencies serving people with disabilities and AIDS and survivors of domestic violence, Annino said.

Santa will be on hand at Saturday’s event from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., taking Christmas requests from children. Free rides on a miniature train will be offered, and food and drinks will be available, Annino said. Donors will receive coupons for a 10% discount at Lumber City.

A similar food drive is planned for Dec. 11 at Carl’s Jr. in Agoura Hills.