Toy Drive Set for Día de los Reyes On Jan. 6

Toy drive planned for Día de los Reyes this Wednesday in the Eastern Coachella Valley

MECCA — Coachella Valley families are welcome to a drive-thru toy drive happening Wednesday, Jan. 6 at three east valley locations in celebration of Día de los Reyes, also known as Three Kings Day or Epiphany.

Volunteers will be handing out more than 2,000 toys, all secured thanks to generous donations, on a first-come-first-serve basis, between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m.

The Alianza Día de los Reyes Toy Drive will be held at the following locations:

• Oasis Elementary School, 88175 74th Ave, Thermal
• North Shore Community Park, on 70th Avenue in North Shore
• Thermal Community Center, 87229 Church Street

Volunteers and staff from Alianza Coachella Valley will distribute an estimated 2,200 toys to area families. Social distancing and other safety measures will be in place. A drive-thru line will be set up but walk-ups will also be accepted.

This event helps extend the holiday season through the traditional time for gift-giving and aims to bring cheer to local families facing financial hardships. Día de los Reyes is a major holiday in Mexico and throughout Latin America, often celebrated with parades, pastries and gift exchanges.

Donors whose combined support made this first-time toy drive possible include Jeremy Hobbs and the Western Wind Foundation, and the Desert Healthcare District and Foundation. Alianza hopes the toy drive can become an annual event.

About Alianza Coachella Valley

Alianza is the only coalition of people and organizations built around resident leadership working to bring dramatic changes to the Coachella Valley. We understand that healthy and economically thriving communities exist only when people have a seat at the table for decisions that affect their daily lives. Alianza is currently working on campaigns for better schools, improving the local environment and promoting youth leadership. For more information, visit www.alianzacv.org.