African American center, Kings of Cali, Tree of Hope team up for toy drive

OROVILLE — Three local groups are joining forces to host a toy drive to make Christmas a little merrier for the youth in Oroville’s southside community.

The hosting groups for the inaugural Southside Christmas Toy Drive are the African American Family and Cultural Center, the Kings of Cali Motorcycle Club of Chico and the Tree of Hope, a nonprofit that serves the southside community.

“We’re doing this event so the children of southside will wake up Christmas morning with a gift under the tree,” said Cissy Smith, AAFCC assistant director.

Donations of toys, bikes and gift cards for the drive are currently being accepted by the AAFCC, 3300 Spencer Ave., during regular business hours 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday.

The drive will culminate on Dec. 10 when the center will be open from noon to 3 p.m. accepting donations and providing anyone who drops off gifts a free spaghetti dinner.

“The Kings of Cali will drive their motorcycles over with all the toys they’ve collected that day. People can come in with their donations and get a plate of food to go or sit and visit while they eat here,” said Smith.

The drive is accepting gifts for all-ages of youth including toys and games for younger children however, Smith said, gifts for junior high and high school youth are needed.

“It’s hard to shop for the older kids. They like shoes, clothing and games so gift cards to local stores and Amazon are always good. We would also appreciate cash donations so we can fill in where there may be a shortage of gifts,” said Smith.

The donated gifts will be distributed to the youth who participate in AAFCC programs. Gifts will also be provided to their siblings. Currently more than 60 youth are served through the AAFCC programs which include the Each One Teach One After School Program, the Dance Diverse dance class, Anger Management for Youth Program and the Youth Financial Literacy Program.

“We will have a whole lot more than 60 youth by the time we contact all the families and get all the kids’ names and ages so we are very grateful to the Kings of Cali, Tree of Hope and the entire community for joining us in this effort,” said Smith.

For more information contact AAFCC at 532-1205 or email questions to aafcc@aafcc-oroville.org.

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