The Santa Clarita Valley chapter of Junior Chamber International, or “The Jaycees,” is partnering with three local non-profits to once again help local families that are in need of a little Christmas cheer through the “Santa’s Helpers” toy drive event.

Donations from the 2016 Runners Lane “Fun Run”.

The Jaycees are inviting families to a party at the Valencia Ice Station in December, where they will get to meet Santa Claus, receive toys and gifts and enjoy a fund afternoon with pizza, cake, face painting, crafts, ice skating and pictures with Santa Claus. Unlike other drives, we help children up to the age of 18 so we provide gift cards to teenagers so they don’t miss out on Christmas too.

The Jaycees parter with the Child and Family Center, Single Mothers Outreach and the Domestic Violence Center to bring gifts and cheer to those in need.

2016 Chair Rebecca DeLuca said “Santa’s Helpers is all about helping those less fortunate than ourselves, the very essence of Christmas and community spirit. We make sure every child who attends gets the best possible Christmas experience.”

Recent events have included a Fun Run at Runners Lane and a Turkey Trot at the Paseo Club, both events saw toy boxes overflow with gifts.

Participants at the 2016 Runner’s Lane “Fun Run”.

Toy donation boxes are currently in several business around town, including the Magazine of Santa Clarita Offices Surfaces SCV Design Center, Keller Williams VIP Proprieties, Echelon Salon, The Paseo Club Ignition Fitness, Griffin Family Wellness, eKata Training Center and Urban Retreat, Montessori of Stevenson Ranch and ICE Recovery and Wellness, Henry Mayo Health and Fitness Center and All American Bail Bonds.

The Santa Clarita Valley chapter of Junior Chamber International “The Jaycees” www.jcisantaclarita.com wishes to thank many local businesses and organizations for stepping up to help with our Santa’s Helpers toy drive is back. The event which sees the Jaycees partner with 3 local non-profits, Child and Family Center, Single Mothers Outreach and the Domestic Violence Center helps local families in need of a little Christmas cheer.

They are also running a warm clothing drive for Bridge to Home and holding a holiday party for them, where Parashars Indian Kitchen will be providing the dinner for those who attend the event. They say that they “urgently need” warm clothing donations so if any spare coats or sweaters will be greatly appreciated.

Individuals can volunteer in preparation for the events, as well as at the parties. SCV youth needing service hours are welcome to volunteer at the events leading up to the Ice Staking party and our Bridge to Home and SCV Senior Center events. For more information about event sponsorship, volunteering, warm clothing or toy donations, please email the 2016 Santa’s Helpers team at volunteer4santa@gmail.com.or call Neil on 661-317-8408.