Free winter coats for needy children

DOWNEY - Calvary Chapel Christian School and Calvary Chapel Downey New Hope Ministry are joining forces with the Santa Fe Springs Department of Children and Family Services for Operation Toasty Christmas, a holiday event for 250 of Los Angeles county's neediest foster children.Operation Toasty Christmas was launched in 2008 by the DCFS Faith Based Counsel to help underprivileged children in the surrounding area. Through this event, up to 500 new coats and blankets will be distributed to local children this holiday season. Operation Toasty Christmas is made possible because of donations, funding and volunteers from Calvary Chapel Christian School, CCD New Hope Ministry, CCD members, Burlington Coat Factory, El Camino Children and Family Services Inc., Party On Rentals, and other sponsors. On Saturday, Dec. 17 from 1-4 p.m., children will participate in cup cake decorating, crafts, face painting, photo booth, bounce in jumpers, and have time for a basketball game. Each child will receive a free jacket or a warm fussy blanket and pizza. To ensure the organization reaches its goal this year, Burlington Coat Factory in Whittier is donating 40 new coats through its 5th Annual Warm Coats & Warm Hearts Coat Drive to help spread the kindness and keep those in need warm this winter. They have also given Calvary Chapel Downey, located on 12808 Woodruff, Ave., a discount on all the jackets purchased from the Burlington Coat Factory in Whittier California. Some of these children accompanied by their parents will be eligible to continue receiving free support from Calvary Chapel Downey New Hope Ministry, which include court approved parenting classes, anger management, addiction and recovery programs.

********** Published: December 15, 2011 - Volume 10 - Issue 35