Helping to brighten the holidays

Since 2002, Wasco Toys for Tigers has brought holiday cheer to children and their families. They give out almost 700 toys yearly and provide food baskets to those in need. To raise funds for their efforts, they will host their annual Toys for Tigers Chicken Lunch.

The fundraiser will take place on Saturday, November 5th, from 11 am to 1 pm at Grace Community Church, 1544 7th Street. It is a drive-thru event, and tickets are $15.

With your meal, you can enjoy a hind-quartered piece of chicken, rice pilaf, candied carrots, salad with poppy seed dressing, a roll with butter and cookies.

President Donna Ward said, "We usually sell out with 350 plates served. The proceeds go to buy toys and special things for the children in our community."

The event happens on the first Saturday of November every year.

Toys for Tigers works to ensure that families in need have a special Christmas. They give to local children that need a toy. They also provide socks, blankets, gift cards and food baskets.

"It gives to those that might not have something. With this, it gives them something to look forward to," Ward said.

They usually spend $25 on each toy for children up to 12 years old.

She added that she is thankful for the community support.

Some sponsors include the Wasco Elks Lodge, Wasco Rotary Club, Wasco Recreation and Parks District, all of the elementary schools and Wasco High School.

"And lots and lots of wonderful people that give to us," Ward said.

The success of the event and their yearly toy giveaway relies heavily on the help of volunteers. Toys for Tigers is always looking for more to lend a hand.

"We will always take volunteers. We couldn't do it without the community of Wasco helping."

Of the organization, Ward said, "We are a group of members from the community that gets together and gives back."

For the holiday season, Toys for Tigers also hosts a Christmas Tree Spectular. This year it will take place on December 5th at the Wasco Elks Lodge.

Guests will decorate Christmas trees and there will be games, hot chocolate, cookies and Santa Claus.

"The Wasco Bengals football program will sell dinner tickets," Ward said.

She shared that it is a blessing to be able to do these events and their toy giveaway.

"The best part is getting together, working to be more in touch and kind to each other," Ward said.

For more information on how you can buy tickets for the lunch, make a tax-deductible donation or serve as a volunteer, call Donna Ward at (661) 549-0700.