Palm Springs Collects a Record Amount of Food, Toys
The City of Palm Springs collected record numbers of canned goods and toys for Coachella Valley residents and their children during its annual Holiday Concert featuring the Marine Corps Combat Center Band from Twentynine Palms.
That, according to a news release from Cindy Uken, Communications Director for the City.
Nearly two tons of canned goods were collected for Food In Need of Distribution (FIND), the most the City has ever collected at a Holiday concert, said Michele Cirone-Collier, the City�s Special Events Coordinator and Military Liaison.
And, more than a thousand toys-another record-were collected for the Toys for Tots program, she said.
All food and toys are earmarked for needy Coachella Valley residents.
Nearly 3,000 concert-goers responded, when the city asked for donations of toys or canned goods as the "price" of admission.
"It is wonderful that we can share the holiday spirit with the Coachella Valley as we host the Marine Corps Combat Center Band in concert," Cirone-Collier said. "We extend the holiday spirit by collecting and sharing food and toys with those who are in need."
She attributes the unprecedented number of contributions to the "generosity" of Coachella Valley residents and "the fact that the event is a highlight of the season for many."
FIND (an acronym for Food in Need of Distribution) is a non-profit, community-based organization, committed to providing food to people who are struggling struggle to feed themselves and their families. It is also committed to maximizing public awareness of hunger while working towards long-term solutions to hunger and poverty.