Holiday basket program appealing for items; drop off at Del Mar Fairgrounds through Dec. 18

The Community Resource Center’s 32nd annual Holiday Baskets program at the Del Mar Fairgrounds is the largest distribution of its kind in the county, and expects to serve an estimated 1,500 households, including more than 3,000 children, this holiday season.

Holiday Baskets organizers are in need of these used or new items:

• Jackets or coats — all sizes (new or used)

• Blankets — all sizes (new or used)

• Bikes — kids (used)

• Toys — new only

Drop off hours: Del Mar Fairgrounds through Solana Gate entrance only, from 3-8 p.m. weekdays, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturdays and 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sundays through Dec. 18.

More than 2,000 local volunteers and 200 groups and organizations have helped collect and sort food, blankets, outerwear, toys, bicycles, baby items, and much more for the annual Holiday Baskets program. The program is a free shopping experience in a warehouse-like setting at a venue the size of a football field. Community Resource Center expects to provide nearly 50 tons of food to families in need. To volunteer or donate items, visit www.crcncc.org; call 760-230-6305; email HB@crcncc.org.