San Diego, California - It could be something as simple as tossing a few extra tubes of toothpaste in your shopping cart. Or maybe you just click twice and add an extra sweatshirt to your online order. But that simple gesture could help bring smiles and joy to those less fortunate this holiday season and throughout the year ahead.
It’s time for the annual County of San Diego Public Administrator/Public Guardian/Public Conservator’s Holiday Gift Drive. The office serves as the legally appointed conservator for people found by the courts to lack the capacity to manage their financial and/or personal affairs, who do not have family members to assist them and who in many cases have been victims of abuse or neglect.
The gift drive accepts donations of items that can be given to clients during the holiday season and throughout the year. For many, it will be the only gift they will receive. Last year, nearly 2,300 blankets, pairs of socks, toiletries and other items were donated to distribute to people served by the office year-round.
PA/PG/PC staff wrap each gift individually, and they deliver the gifts directly to the clients as they make their routine visits.
Here are some items to consider purchasing for donation:
- Clothing for men and women (all sizes are needed) such as sweaters, sweatshirts with zippers, pajamas, beanies, slippers with rubber bottoms, socks, sweatpants or elastic waist pants
- Personal hygiene items
- Clocks/radios
- Fluffy blankets or throws
- Large print paperback books
- Bathrobes
- Towels and washcloths
- Backpacks
- Coloring books and colored pencils
- Gift cards for local discount, department or clothing stores or pre-paid gift cards
- Stuffed animals
Items must be new and unwrapped. They can be dropped off at the Public Administrator/Public Guardian/Public Conservator office at 5560 Overland Ave., Suite 130, San Diego between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. through Nov. 30.
Please note, the office cannot accept cash, but can accept gift cards that will be used to purchase specific items for clients. Businesses that have contracted business with the County are not allowed to donate.
For more information, call (858) 694-3500.