Dec 17, 2007

Auxiliary wraps Christmas up for families in need

By Adria Murray / Society Columnist

Waiting outside the doors of Target at 5 a.m. the day after Thanksgiving, Foothill Auxiliary's Audrey Linn Lozares was poised to sweep up as many door-buster deals as she could for Family Service Agency of San Mateo's Holiday Toy Store.

"I hit Target, Big 5 and Toys 'R Us all before noon," Lozares said.

With multiple bags and carloads' worth of toys filling the room, Foothill Auxiliary members opened the doors to the crowd of Family Service clients lined up outside the agency's Second Ave. location on Dec. 7 for the opening day of the auxiliary's 10th annual Holiday Toy Store.

Once inside, mothers, fathers and caregivers had the opportunity to select one children's book, one stocking stuffer and one gift ($20-$25) for each child in their family. Auxiliary members were on hand throughout the weekend to help shoppers find age-appropriate gifts, and provided complimentary gift wrapping and courtesy child care.

"It's a turnkey Christmas," said Katherine Howe, National Charity League volunteer, about the one-stop shopping event.

Among the popular gifts this year were Hannah Montana items, Bratz dolls and sports equipment for young kids, plus DVD players and makeup, coveted most by teens.

The nearly $6,000 worth of toys given away during the Holiday Toy Store went to the children of Family Service's neediest clients.

Family Service Agency President Laurie Wishard said in a statement that the Holiday Toy Store "provides presents to our struggling adult clients so they are empowered as proud gift-givers to their own children."

Ten-year event volunteer and Foothill Auxiliary member Carol Jorgenson Mince (who in past years made the annual Target pilgrimage) said there was more need this year than she's seen before for the many Family Service clients who cannot afford Christmas gifts for their children.

"When people say 'Thank you,' you see tears in their eyes," Mince said. "It's very touching."

Family Service Agency is a nonprofit organization that serves 18,000 children, adults and seniors annually in San Mateo County through programs designed to help families and individuals build positive, productive lives. Nearly 300 families received gifts during the three-day shopping event, which were acquired solely through toy and cash donations.

"It's my Christmas," Mince said about the feel-good spirit of the Holiday Toy Shop.


Adria Murray's society column appears every Sunday in the San Mateo Daily News. Send event information to 324 High St., Palo Alto, CA 94301, or e-mail amurray@dailynews group.com or call 650-327-9090, ext. 328.