Igniting The Holiday Spirit

RANCHO CUCAMONGA, Calif., Dec. 3, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- During the holidays our minds are geared toward giving.  Waiting in long lines on Black Friday to get once-a-year unprecedented deals, spending hours searching for just the right gift, or rushing from store to store for that last minute present we just realized we forgot.  Sometimes we do this yearly routine to ensure our clients know they are thought of and appreciated, but often our reason is to see the joy on the faces of the people we love as they open our neatly wrapped gifts.  Knowing that we've picked the right gift and lifted someone's spirit makes all the hustle and bustle worthwhile.

(Photo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20121203/LA22964)

Every year there are millions of kids around the world who don't get that special moment of joy.  One out of every four children in California lives in poverty (23.2%).  Here in San Bernardino County, there are about 23,000 homeless children!  For some kids, a donated toy on the holidays may be the only toy they ever touch this year.  For others, the best gift they could ask for is a clean glass of water.  In 2010, 925 million people around the world went hungry.  Charities have been set up all across the country to help make it easy to get involved and find ways to help others.  

Different ways and places to give

People can choose to support charities in their very own communities, or they can help people from around the world.  Money can be given to support a cause, time can be donated to teach a child to read or to feed the homeless, or a gift can be purchased to help make a child's Christmas wish come true.

One charity that makes donating simple is Operation Christmas Child.  This charity asks people to put together a shoe box filled with different things that children worldwide find priceless.  Items such as: hygiene products, school supplies, clean socks, and small toys like a yo-yo.  Directions on what is acceptable for each age group can be found on the website; this list also helps give people ideas for what types of items to add.  People are welcome to fill as many boxes as they want, but even just one box can make such a difference.  Drop-off locations are set up all over to make participation easy.  Just visit the website for details. https://www.samaritanspurse.org/giving/buildabox/

Here is a list of other charities to help you find a way to give that works best for you.

Loma Linda Children's Hospital
Children's Hospital relies on community support to be able to impact the lives of thousands of children who depend on their care.  There are several ways to donate or volunteer.  Visit the site for more details.
http://lomalindahealth.org/childrens-hospital/volunteer-donate/index.page?

Inland Valley Humane Society & S.P.C.A.
Every dollar counts! The Inland Valley Humane Society & SPCA is a five-star rated charity and has earned the GuideStar Exchange Seal.  Tax-deductible donations are accepted via credit card on the website or a check by mail.  Visit the site and click on the "Support IVHS" tab to see all the different ways you can make a difference.
http://www.ivhsspca.org/

Ontario Salvation Army Tree
This organization helps 30,000 children in the Inland Empire during the holiday season.  Donations will be accepted starting Tuesday, Nov. 27^th until Sunday, Dec. 16^th.
http://events.dailybulletin.com/montclair_ca/events/show/292271705-ontario-salvation-army-tree-helps-30-000-children-in-inland-empire-during-holiday-season

Toys For Tots
Contribute a new toy or give a donation to help make Christmas a little brighter for a needy child in your community.
http://www.toysfortots.org/

Make-a-Wish Foundation®
Make-a-Wish's unique holiday donation options will help grant the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions.
http://www.wish.org/help/donate

6th Annual Share The Love Charity Event
The 6th Annual Share the Love Charity Event, benefiting Make-A-Wish® Orange County and the Inland Empire, will be held throughout the Coachella Valley on Feb. 16^th and 17^th. The event includes a tennis tournament at Indian Wells Tennis Garden, home of the BNP Masters Tennis Tournament, a golf tournament at Mr. Larry Ellison's exquisite, private estate and golf course – Porcupine Creek, and ends with a dinner and auction event at La Quinta Resort and Spa.
www.sharethelovecharityevent.com

Wheels for Wishes
This program provides a convenient alternative to selling or trading in your automobile.  Free pick-up and towing from anywhere, tax deductible, and all cars are accepted - even if they are not running.  Call1-855-907-9474 or visit the site for details.
http://losangeles.wheelsforwishes.org/make-a-wish-car-donation/?_vsrefdom=GCN&gclid=CLWfqer07bMCFeGDQgodORAAgg

My Two Front Teeth
My Two Front Teeth offers a personalized online gift-giving experience to aid underprivileged children.  These children are selected through community organizations and allowed to individually pick their one holiday wish. The child's wish profile is entered into the online database where donors then choose an online sponsorship.
http://www.mytwofrontteeth.org/index.jsp

Food Drive
When: November 17 – December 20, 2012
Where: Montclair Plaza in Montclair, CA 91763 
Montclair Plaza and Inland Valley Hope Partners are holding a food drive that will help to feed the homeless this holiday season.  The public is encouraged to bring a regular-sized canned food and/or non-perishable food items to the drop-off areas at Cinnabon or Zilas.
http://www.zvents.com/montclair_ca/events/show/292040045-food-drive-supports-homeless-community-in-inland-valley-area

StandUp For Kids - San Bernardino
Victoria Gardens presents StandUp For Kids Donation Night once a month to support homeless kids in San Bernardino! 20% of your total bill will be donated to StandUp For Kids San Bernardino. 
http://www.standupforkids.org/San%20Bernardino/default.aspx

Cars 4 Causes®
Cars 4 Causes® works with thousands of charities across the United States. Cars 4 Causes® specializes in car donations, and your generous car donation to Cars 4 Causes® could benefit the Rancho Cucamonga based charity of your choice.
http://www.cars4causes.net/car-donation-rancho-cucamonga-ca

Boys & Girls Clubs
Annual "Campaign for Kids" 
Make a difference in a child's life by giving a gift that lasts a lifetime. Last year over 4300 youth participated in life-changing programs and fun activities at our three clubs in La Quinta, Indio and Coachella. Not only do the Clubs provide a safe haven for homework, computer training, sports, social activities, and programs to prevent alcohol and substance abuse, they also give kids a glimpse of future careers through unique and special programs, such as our aviation program where they learn to fly or build homes through Building Horizons.  See more ways to volunteer or help http://www.bgcofcv.org/

Donating your time or money doesn't always have to wait for the holidays, but while we're in the giving spirit why not give to those who need it most.

About Ignite Design & Advertising
Ignite Design & Advertising, based in Rancho Cucamonga, is a full service advertising agency providing a solution-driven approach to each client's needs. Specializing in a myriad of services ranging from branding, marketing and advertising to communications and internet services, Ignite Design & Advertising works with clients in the entertainment, manufacturing, non-profit, and healthcare industries. To learn more, visit www.clickandcombust.com.

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