Brea (Calif.) Plaza hosted its first-annual Toys for Tots Drive and Visit with Santa on Friday, December 12. The gift collection, which took place starting December 1 in coordination with various retailers, generated more than 150 toys to be donated to the non-profit program.
The evening event featured participation from Brea Plaza retailers and local organizations. For every toy donated, Brea 5 Cinemas offered free popcorn and a free ticket to a screening of the holiday classic Elf; ZPizza Brea provided cookies and gave away free slice coupons; and Starbucks and Bonny Bridal sponsored hot cocoa. The Knights of Columbus of St. Angela Merici generously provided event staffing and photography.
The mission of the U. S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program is to collect new, unwrapped toys during October, November and December of each year, and distribute those toys as Christmas gifts to less fortunate children in the community in which the campaign is conducted.