The Coachella Valley Rescue Mission will host its annual toy giveaway Saturday and thousands of toys will be given away amid a drive-up format aimed at curbing the spread of coronavirus.
The event begins at 7 a.m. and will last until the toys run out. Despite the drive-up format, organizers say those without vehicles can still participate.
“It’s drive up-only, but if we have people who do not have transportation, they can walk up and we can serve them individually in a separate area,” Development Director Scott Wolf said.
The event typically sees about 15,000 toys distributed to an estimated 5,000 children, but it’s unclear how the pandemic will affect turn out.
Wolf said toy donations have flooded in from across the Coachella Valley.
Unlike prior years, the event will not include a random giveaway of bicycles. But Santa and Mrs. Claus are still slated to participate. The Kringles will practice social distancing by waving from afar to children as they receive their gifts.
Those wishing to volunteer for the giveaway were asked to call 760-347-3512, ext. 221.
Last-minute toy donations can be brought directly to CVRM at 47470 Van Buren St. in Indio.