SHOPPING FOR SMILES: VIEJAS FIREFIGHTERS ROLL OUT BIKES FOR NEEDY KIDS

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By Miriam Raftery

November 29, 2012 (La Mesa) – Viejas firefighters, clad in uniforms, Santa hats and reindeer antlers, rolled into action at Target in Grossmont Center today to stock up on toys for needy local children.  More than 80 Viejas tribal government staffers donated funds to purchase 30  bicycles. 

“We’re here because we want to bring a little bit of joy to some kids who may need that,” Viejas Tribal Chairman Anthony Pico told ECM.  “We know what it’s like to be poverty stricken and perhaps to have Christmas with no gift.  It means so much more when you know where you’ve come from and where you’re going.”  He smiled, adding with a Santa-like twinkle in his eye, “These are some of the most fun times of the year.”

Jenny Rothrauff, Viejas tribal government staff member, said employees in different departments competed to see who could raise the most money for toys.  “We raised $2,645 in bake sales, candy apple sales, breakfast burrito sales and a hotdog fundraiser,” she said.  “We even had one tribal member and her family donate eight bikes.”

It’s all part of the annual Rob and Stoney’s Holiday Toy Drive, which supports the Salvation Army in San Diego’s East County.  Toys purchased will be added to other toys already donated as part of the Viejas Holiday Toy Drive, which is supported by both team members and guests at the Viejas Casino and Viejas Outlets Center.

“We raised over 3,000 toys last year,” Robert Scheid, Vice President of Community Relations at Viejas, told East County Magazine.

This year, our goal is 5,000 toys, he said, adding that more families are in need due to the economy.  By giving the families bicycles or other toys, it frees up limited funds that can be used on food, medical care of other necessities, he noted. “So we’re helping not only children, but entire families.”

On December 5, the exact number of toys collected this year will be revealed as the curtain on stage is pulled back during the Rob and Stoney’s Holiday Toy Drive Party, which is open to the public and will be held in the Dream Catcher Lounge at Viejas Casino in Alpine.  Doors open at 6 p.m.; $20 includes food and drinks, plus raffle prize drawings and a silent auction will all help benefit local children in need.

 


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