’Tis the joyous season for giving and giving thanks. The Christmas holidays mark the 29th year LMC has teamed up with the Salvation Army and the Angel Tree program to collect toys and clothing for needy children within the local communities.

Eileen Valenzuela and Linda Kohler have headed up the project since 2002, but with Kohler retiring last year, Valenzuela is coordinating solo this year. Valenzuela is using her office as the drop off spot for the unwrapped gifts.

In years past Angel Tree has set up and decorated a tree with angel ornaments bearing tags with the gender and age of a child who was in need of a gift. This year there isn’t an actual tree, but the spirit of giving remains. Valenzuela is hopeful that a volunteer will step up to assist her with the project that has been a vital part of LMC’s history of giving back and connecting with the community.

The Salvation Army has been successful in making thousands of Christmas wishes come true. Last year LMC’s Angel Tree collected more than 180 gifts. LMC president Bob Kratochvil said, “It’s really heartwarming to see different fundraising efforts by LMC faculty, staff, and managers throughout the year.”

“This is a ‘shining’ example of the generosity and sharing that our employees do every day on behalf of our students and the community,” said Kratochvil.

Valenzuela asks that members of the LMC community begin their holiday shopping, please remember others and help make our 29th year just as successful as last.

Gifts of new toys or new clothing are desired. If you would like to participate in this program, please buy a gift appropriate for a boy or a girl aged 3 to 12 years of age, and take it unwrapped to Eileen Valenzuela in the Office of Instruction, SS4-449. The last day to bring your gifts is Friday, Dec 15. For more information, you can call the Office at (925) 473-7406.