TEMECULA, CA – Three contributions from Pechanga this December made a difference in the lives of veterans, children and families in need. The MilVet organization in Southern California, the Spark of Love, and Toys for Tots each received support from Pechanga. That came in the form of donated toys and monetary funds for children and families in need through the three hard-working Southern California charities. The funds and gifts to the three organizations totaled nearly $25,000, and Pechanga leaders say they aim to help more deserving people this holiday season too.
Pechanga firefighters and Pechanga Resort Casino team member volunteers recently shopped for underserved Southern California children and teens. In Pechanga’s 10th year partnering with the ABC7 Los Angeles Spark of Love Toy Drive, Pechanga donated an entire fire truck full of toys to the special cause – over $3,000 worth of games, sports equipment, dolls and puzzles. They also donated an additional $7,000 in funds to the foundation that ensures underprivileged kids in Los Angeles and surrounding communities receive a toy for the holidays. Pechanga Fire Department firefighters joined ABC7 live on television to present the truckful of toys, plus the big check.
As they have for more than a dozen years, Pechanga also donated $10,000 to the U.S. Marines Corps Toys for Tots. The monetary donation allows the Marines to continue their program goal – giving the gift of a new toy and helping to bring the joy of the holidays and sending a message of hope to America’s less fortunate children.
More than 1.8 million former U.S. service members call California home. Nearly 160,000 active duty military are stationed in the Golden State. To offer a helping hand to active military and veterans in need, Pechanga’s team members purchased hundreds of toys to give to MilVet’s Holidays for Heroes program. A non-profit organization, MilVet’s services seek to enrich the lives of deployed troops, veterans and their families. Volunteers picked up dozens of boxes filled with toys from Pechanga.