Needy Parents Get Help With Christmas

Nearly 800 needy parents in the county are receiving food, blankets, clothes and toys to provide a special Christmas for their children this year.

Four charity groups are organizing the annual giveaway, which began this week. The families, chosen by school officials, have been invited to visit the Fullerton Interfaith Emergency Service distribution center at Maple School in Fullerton to pick up the goods.

On Tuesday, several mothers and fathers walked through the center filling large bags with groceries, toothpaste, soap, toothbrushes, towels and gift certificates for $10 worth of groceries, as well as toys, blankets and sleepwear for their children.

The items, stacked on shelves on both sides of three aisles, were donated by residents and schools or bought by the Assistance League of Fullerton, Fullerton Interfaith, the Salvation Army and a coalition of Parent-Teacher associations from 22 local schools.

“We do this to help people in need,” said Fran Carey, co-chairwoman of the Christmas Clearing Program. “We’re letting the parents pick out gifts for their kids, take them home and wrap them up for Christmas.”

In many cases, the gifts are the only presents the parents will be giving their children, said Lynda Allen, coordinator of the PTAs.

Miguel Angel Paxtor, 32, walked the aisles Tuesday, selecting gifts for his children.

He chose a light green sleeper and plastic rings and rattles for his 1-year-old son, a yellow sleeper and Barbie doll for his 4-year-old daughter, mustard yellow sweatshirt and Barbie tea set for his 8-year-old daughter, and a blue sweatshirt and toy truck for his 10-year-old son.

In addition, Paxtor chose a Dr. Seuss book for the whole family to enjoy and a stuffed bear wearing a Christmas-themed scarf.

“Thank God for this help,” said Paxtor, an electronics assembly worker.

Organizers are spending about $136,000 to offer the program, created by the Volunteer Bureau of Fullerton about 25 years ago. When the bureau dissolved eight years ago, the four charities took over the program.

Donations of new toys, blankets and food are still being accepted at the distribution center, 244 E. Valencia Ave., Room 16. Information: (714) 738-0255.