As the calendar gets ready to turn from November to December, the community is gearing up for a variety of efforts to make the holidays brighter.
First up is the Riverbank Federated Women’s Club annual holiday table decorating luncheon, which is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 5. Earlier reports had listed the date of the luncheon as Dec. 11, but the correct day is Dec. 5. The event begins at 11 a.m.
The table decorating luncheon raises money for local charities and scholarships for high school students by having individuals host a table at the luncheon, inviting friends to participate by decorating and hosting a table.
In past years, the luncheon has featured ornately, uniquely decorated tables, with a bit of competition between hosts.
The feast will be held at the Riverbank Community Center, 3600 Santa Fe, across from Cardozo Middle School.
Club co-chair Phyllis Reeves said that anyone interested in hosting a table can call her at 869-1194. Other co-chairs for this special event include Cindy Ingle, 209-529-6398 or Leanne Jones Cruz, 209-502-0335.
Riverbank Cares Food Distribution
Donations of food or money are being accepted through Dec. 16 for this year’s Christmas Food Drive by Riverbank Cares. Food donations can be dropped off at O’Brien’s Market or at City Hall North downtown. Those wishing to make a monetary donation can call 209-480-6548.
The collected food will be distributed on Friday, Dec. 18, from 10 a.m. to noon at the St. Frances of Rome Catholic Church, 2827 Topeka St.
Senior and disabled residents can arrange home delivery by calling 863-7153 by Wednesday, Dec. 16.
The food distribution is limited to residents of Riverbank only.
Toys For Tots
Low income families in Riverbank with children between the ages of newborn through 14 years of age will be able to receive toys for Christmas this year through Toys for Tots.
They will be distributed on Saturday, Dec. 19 at Cardozo Middle School Cafeteria at 1 p.m.
The community is collecting donations through Friday, Dec. 11. Boxes to receive the toys are located around town each year.
This year, they’re at Riverbank Language Academy, CASA del Rio, California Avenue and Mesa Verde elementary schools, WestAmerica Bank, TSW Financial, the Riverbank Community Library, Community Trust Credit Union and City Hall.
Organizers are asking for new and un-opened toys, for ages 0-14.
Only families that have pre-registered will be served on that Saturday.
To pre-register, call CASA del Rio at 209-869-0468 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Toys for Tots in Riverbank is a collaboration of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, Riverbank Project ACTION, Central Valley Community Resources, CASA del Rio Family Resource Center, Norma Torres-Manriquez, Living Grace Church and Valley Improvement Projects.
