Coachella Valley Rescue Mission Holds Toy Handout This Morning

Thousands of toys are being handed out this morning at the Coachella Valley Rescue Mission's annual giveaway, transforming the facility into what organizers call a "Christmas wonderland" for more than 5,000 children from families across the valley. The event runs from 7 to 11 a.m., with families already lining up before the doors open.

This marks the 19th year of the toy distribution, which has become the rescue mission's largest community outreach event of the year. Amanda Galindo, the mission's executive director, said roughly 15,000 toys have been collected for this morning's giveaway.

"The rescue mission not only serves the underserved and the homeless community, but a lot of what we do is outreach to our community," Galindo said. "This is our biggest giveaway and our biggest outreach event."

The toys were gathered through donation drives at more than 200 locations across the Coachella Valley—including businesses, organizations, and collection boxes placed throughout the region. Galindo said donations were still coming in as recently as last night, showing how the community rallied to support the event.

The December toy giveaway is part of the mission's year-round support for local families. The organization also distributes weekly food boxes and hosts a back-to-school backpack giveaway in the summer, but the holiday toy event draws the biggest crowds.

For many families balancing tight budgets during the holidays, the event provides relief and brings Christmas spirit to children who might otherwise go without.