OHH Seeking Various Donations for Marine Families

Operation Help-A-Hero and the City of Rancho Santa Margarita are again partners this holiday season to assist more than 60 families of local U.S. Marines—including 10 from the city's adopted Second Battalion Fifth Marines (2/5) Division through its Operation Christmas Spirit program.

There are many ways residents and businesses can contribute:

• Donate toys for children ages 2-12 years.
• Donate gift cards, allowing Marine families to purchase holiday gifts of their own choosing ($20-$25 suggested).
• Contribute your talents as gifts for families such as photography, sewing, scrapbooking.
• Craft homemade items for holiday baskets such as blankets, craft kits, ornaments, etc.

Donations can be dropped off at the Bell Tower Regional Community Center through Dec. 16 during regular hours, including Saturday and Sunday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

For more information, contact Wendi Redington at 949-216-9700 or email wredington@cityofrsm.org or contact Operation Help-A-Hero at mimi.walters@cox.net.

The City adopted the 2/5 Marines on Jan. 10, 2007. The 2/5 is comprised of more than 1,000 Marines and Sailors who recently returned home from a seven month deployment in Afghanistan.