Holiday Toy Drive Underway At Gelson's Market In Carlsbad

Donations will go to local children's hospitals and Toys for Tots.

CARLSBAD, CA – The annual holiday toy at Gelson’s is underway and runs through Saturday, Dec. 15, at the specialty market's 27 locations in Southern California, including in La Costa at 7660 El Camino Real, Carlsbad.

Returning partners for this year's drive include Barbara Sinatra Center for Abused Children at Eisenhower Medical Center, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Children’s Hospital of Orange County, Rady Children’s Hospital-San Diego, Ronald McDonald House/Long Beach and Toys for Tots.

In each store, Gelson’s has a large gift-wrapped open box with lists of suggested toys, some of which will be personally handed out by Gelson’s employees visiting local children’s hospitals.

“For 67 years Gelson’s has been a social hub dedicated to giving back to the communities that we serve,” said Rob McDougall, Gelson's president. “Our annual toy drive is one of the most visible examples of this important aspect of our mission, and we encourage our customers to join with us, and our nonprofit local partners, to help make the holiday season brighter for children and families across Southern California.”

Employees also participate as the gift drive also runs at the corporate office and warehouse of Gelson's, a Southern California institution established by brothers Bernie and Eugene Gelson in 1951.

-- Image via Matt Cardy Getty Images