The holidays are fast approaching, and it’s time to be thinking about gathering items for the “Christmas gift bags” the Hidden Meadows community donates every year to two Escondido-based non-profits: Hidden Valley House and Interfaith Community Services. Every year, a cheery group of volunteers puts together bags of essential personal hygiene items, which the charities then distribute to the individuals they are serving. It is our quiet way of letting the less fortunate individuals in our area know that someone cares.
Do you have a collection of those little soaps and shampoo bottles you get when you stay in a hotel? We could use them! If you haven’t been traveling and still want to contribute, watch for upcoming sales on some items that are always needed – toothbrushes and toothpaste, deodorant, and little mouthwashes.
The donations may be dropped off at the Ogrod residence, 28105 Mountain Meadow Road, ANY TIME after Monday, November 13, but no later than Sunday, December 3rd. If no one is at home, please leave them on the front porch. If you prefer, you may bring your items to the Fall Food Drive on November 11th at the golf club clubhouse.
And if you’d like to help assemble the gift bags, come to 28105 Mountain Meadow Road on the afternoon of Thursday, December 7th at 2:00 pm. Bags, tissue and ribbon will be provided, as well as coffee, tea & goodies for the workers. It’s a wonderful way to share an afternoon and there’s always room for more. If you have any questions, please call Nancy Ogrod at 760-749-7023 or e-mail at n.ogrod@yahoo.com.