Bringing Holiday Joy to Ramona: Food, Clothes, and Toys for Those in Need
As the holiday season approaches, the spirit of giving shines brightly in Ramona thanks to volunteers like Richard Bender. He is on the Ramona Food and Clothes Closet Board of Directors and on the Editorial Committee for the Valley News.
Richard Bender has been an SDCE homeowner for 25 years, and he likes to give back to the community and stay busy. He volunteers at the RFCC four and a half days a week in the thrift store. He mainly works with books and handles the book donations. He goes through the books to make sure they are in good shape, prices them, and puts them on the shelf.
The RFCC unveiled its new holiday store last November, a special place designed to bring even more joy to local families. The store allows children to pick out toys for themselves and their siblings, creating a magical, gift-filled experience that goes beyond the essentials.
“We set out a table and pass out toys,” says Bender. “We have a lot of people in our community that help out, and it feels good.” The RFCC Holiday Toy Program will be held on December 18 from 10 am to 2 pm at the RFCC. Signups must be done in person on the following dates: December 11, 12, or 13 from 10 am to 1 pm, and 3 pm to 5 pm. This toy program is for kids ages 0-12. The RFCC services Ramona, Julian, Santa Isabel, and the surrounding areas for this program. Recipients must provide proof of residency and the child’s age. The parents must bring a valid driver’s license or ID and show that they have a household income below the poverty level. RFCC wants to make sure they are helping those who truly need it this holiday season. Recipients will receive a toy and a $25 gift certificate for food at Albertsons or Stater Brothers.
The San Vicente Resort will be hosting its annual Toy Story Tournament and Toy Drive on Monday, December 18, at 11 am. Players bring an unwrapped gift to donate to the RFCC for the RFCC Toy Program.
Bender says they need as many toys as they can get because at the end of the year, they end up purchasing toys to give out if they run short. This money takes away from the scholarship funds that they use to give back to the community.
Last year, the holiday toy program gave toys to over 400 children and food, grocery gift cards, and clothing to over 200 families. Throughout the year, they provided food to over 40,000 people. Food is donated to the RFCC by Albertsons and Stater Brothers. Aldi and Trader Joe's also donate food.
Volunteers and donors work together to ensure that every child can leave with a gift in hand, making the holidays brighter for those who might otherwise go without. From dolls to action figures to books and games, the Holiday Store is a true celebration of community generosity, showing that even small contributions can make a difference.
With the help of generous residents, volunteers, and local partners, the Ramona Food and Clothes Closet is ensuring that every child in Ramona can feel the warmth and wonder of the season. It’s more than just toys; it’s hope, joy, and a reminder of how powerful a giving community can be.
