It’s a time for giving

November 14, 2013 | Tim Hauserman

Sometimes, if we are not careful, we can begin to think about the holidays as a chore. A time when we are busy checking things off our lists: Too many presents that have to be bought. Preparing for too many meals with too many people. Getting all those people from point A to point B. But there is a way to escape from seeing the holidays as a chore. You can take a break, and remind yourself that the holidays are really all about giving. Here are two ways to rekindle that joy:

Toys for Tots Party

Sunnyside is doing its part to help you to get into the holiday mood with a Toys for Tots party on December 6th between 5-7 PM.

Toys donated at the Sunnyside event are given to families in need in the North Shore/West Shore area. Elaine Durazo, Tahoe Truckee Local Coordinator for the Toys for Tots Foundation says that “everyone is cutting back and money to assist families is going to utilities and food,” so the toys the children receive from Toys for Tots provide relief to families who are struggling and bring joy to children in need.

This year, children of Sunnyside staff members and the management team get to join in the fun by helping to put together the packages of toys for the children. For more information on how you can help, visit the local Toys for Tots website.  http://tahoe-truckee.toysfortots.org

Truckee Community Christmas

This Truckee based organization provides food, clothing and toys to hundreds of families and seniors in the Truckee area over the holidays.   From November 30-December 16th food barrels are set up outside Safeway and Save Mart in Truckee, while both food and toys are collected at a variety of different locations throughout Truckee. You can also provide a financial donation that will be used to provide assistance to low-income seniors and to supplement food and clothing donations. Or you get right into the trenches by joining in the effort as a volunteer. To get all the scoop on how you can be a part of this effort, go to: www.truckeecommunitychristmas.com