There are needs within the Riverbank community and there are some special local organizations that have created great ways for people to bestow their abundance with people that are less fortunate this holiday season.
The Riverbank Cares 2017 Christmas Food Drive is accepting food donations until Wednesday, Dec. 20 at O’Brien’s Market, Riverbank City Hall, Westamerica Bank and Fair Deal Market. The food giveaway will be held on Friday, Dec. 22 at the Community Center, 3600 Santa Fe St., from 10 a.m. until noon to make sure families in the community will have food this holiday season. This Christmas program is for Riverbank residents only. To make a monetary donation or for more information, call 209-480-6548 or 209-863-7153.
Toy donations for children ages birth to 12 are being accepted until Friday, Dec. 15 at the Administration office of City Hall North for the local Toys for Tots program. The toy giveaway for registered families will be held on Saturday, Dec. 16.
American Veterans First is collecting blankets and coats for veterans in the area. Donations can be dropped off at the Administration office of City Hall North.
Riverbank Cares also hosts the Adopt a Grandparent program which has been extended until Friday, Dec. 15 due to 25 seniors that have not been adopted yet. There are 95 seniors in the local nursing home that will receive gifts during a Christmas party that spreads cheer to many residents that may otherwise spend the Christmas holiday alone, without family there to share it with them. The need is always greater than the previous year, officials said, as more of the population is living longer and not equipped to care for themselves. The commitment from the community will be vital in caring for each person, making sure Santa leaves no one off his list. Each of the partners plays a large part in the project.
“We need the community more than ever to make this a success,” said program officials.
For those who do not have time to do the shopping, cash donations are accepted and the organizers will do the shopping for you. For additional information, contact Westamerica Bank at 209-869-2469 or stop by O’Brien’s Market in Riverbank.
