Del Mar Fairgrounds drop off for much-needed holiday donations

Brightening lives for 28 years. That’s the mission of the Community Resource Center (CRC) and the Encinitas Sheriff’s Station in giving food, clothing, toys, bicycles, baby supplies and other items to families in need every holiday season.

Community Resource Center’s 28th Annual Holiday Baskets Program is the largest comprehensive holiday distribution program of its kind in San Diego County and will serve a record of more than 5,500 people in need this year. Hundreds of volunteers are now transforming the grandstands at the Del Mar Fairgrounds into a 20,000 square-foot shopping warehouse so that local families in need can experience “free” holiday shopping this season. Eligible North County families will fill their shopping carts or “baskets” with items donated by the community.

The Sheriff’s Encinitas station welcome donations of used bikes or bike parts. Instead of throwing them away, deputies make repairs and transform the bicycles into wonderful gifts. You can also donate used car seats, non-perishable food items, new toys, and gently used coats or jackets.

People can enter through the Solana Gate at the Del Mar Fairgrounds grandstands to drop off their donations from 9 a.m.- 3 p.m. only on Dec. 10, 11, and 12.

Donations will be distributed Dec. 17-19.