Donations will support local families through two youth-focused nonprofits; live performances planned at Santa Monica Place
State Sen. Ben Allen will host his annual toy drive and holiday gathering next week at Santa Monica Place, where community members are invited to donate gifts for families in need.
The event is scheduled for Wednesday, Dec. 10, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the shopping center’s Center Plaza.
Donations of new, unwrapped toys will be collected and distributed by two local organizations: Connections for Children, which provides child care support and family services in West Los Angeles and the South Bay, and Safe Place for Youth, a nonprofit focused on preventing and addressing youth homelessness.
Live music will be performed by the Santa Monica High School string orchestra and Elemental Music’s Chamber Music Institute.
The event is open to the public, and donations are encouraged but not required for entry.
