Chamber holiday drives
Toy drive for military families: Want to make a difference this holiday season for the children of military personnel that live in La Mesa military housing? Then join the members of the La Mesa Chamber of Commerce (LMCC) and purchase toys, diapers and other items that will make their holiday season special.
LMCC is coordinating this holiday project with Lincoln Military Housing and is collecting items for children of military families living in La Mesa military housing between the ages of 2–13 years old.
“The La Mesa Chamber is honored to be a part of this endeavor and making a difference in the lives of these children and their families, that do so much for our country,” stated LMCC president Mary England in a press release.
A celebration and the final collection of toys and gift items will take place Dec. 7, 5:30–7 p.m., at BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse in Grossmont Center. Admission is complimentary to LMCC members bringing a new, unwrapped toy; non-member guest tickets are $10 each and bring an unwrapped toy; and $20 each for all “at-door” guests and bring a new unwrapped toy, as well. The evening will include heavy hors d’oeuvres, salads, and signature pizzas. Make reservations by Wednesday, Dec. 1 by emailing [email protected].
Those that are unable to attend the event but wish to donate may contact the LMCC office at 619-465-7700 to make arrangements to either deliver the toys or have them picked up.
Homebound seniors gift basket drive: This year, La Mesa Chamber of Commerce (LMCC) will assist 24 homebound seniors for the holidays. LMCC is currently gathering items for these seniors with the goal to collect, purchase and assemble the items and place them in large gift baskets and gift bags.
All gift bags are delivered to the selected seniors by the La Mesa Retired Senior Volunteer Patrol. Due to delivery schedule, the deadline to receive the gifts for our seniors is Wednesday, Dec. 1. This will allow time to wrap all of the items, prepare all of the gift baskets and purchase the items needed.
Suggested items to donate or purchase for this year’s gift baskets include: canned soups, canned vegetables, canned fruits, packets of crackers and packets of pasta or macaroni & cheese (For all food items from the pantry, check expiration dates.), bars of soap, tubes of toothpaste, packs of tissues, bottles of hand soaps, bottles of hand sanitizer, pens and pads of paper.
Gift cards in any denomination from the following locations are also welcome: Walmart, Target, or any grocery store. If you have another items you believe will put a smile on their faces, by all means drop them off!
All donated items must be received by Dec. 1 to be included in the senior gift baskets and bags. They may be delivered to the La Mesa Chamber office: 8080 La Mesa Blvd., Suite 214, La Mesa to Fran Smith, Monday–Friday, 10 a.m.– 4 p.m. Mary England is also available seven days a week to meet donors and pick up those items directly – call 619-251-7730.
La Mesa resident wins luxury car in charity raffle
In support of families experiencing a medical crisis, the 11th annual Hoehn Motors Luxury Car Raffle raises more than $300,000 benefitting Ronald McDonald House Charities of San Diego and names Jeffrey Ciesieker of La Mesa as the raffle’s grand prizewinner.
Ciesieker wins his choice between a 2021 Audi Q7 and $25,000, a 2021 Porsche Cayenne and $25,000, or $75,000 cash.
For more than a decade, Susan and Bill Hoehn have hosted the Hoehn Motors Luxury Car Raffle, with more than $3 million in net raffle proceeds going directly to Ronald McDonald House Charities of San Diego to provide a “home-away-from-home” to families with a hospitalized child.
The raffle, offering over $140,000 in prizes, has sold out every year for the last four years. This year, ticket holders also won a Mario Andretti racing experience for two, Louisiana Grills LG860C Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker, a Lifetime Big Stuff swing set, a Milwaukee MX FUEL 3600W/1800W Power Supply, and various other prizes. Winners also have the option to claim cash in lieu of product prizes.
“Susan and Bill Hoehn’s generosity over the last 11 years has made a lasting impact in the lives of Ronald McDonald House families,” said Chuck Day, president and CEO of Ronald McDonald House Charities of San Diego. “Their thoughtful partnership and the support of those that continue to participate in this raffle have allowed us to continue to serve families with a child undergoing a medical crisis. We’re forever grateful for their ongoing support and the privilege to make a difference in these families’ lives.”
To view the full list of prizes and winners, visit www.sdcarraffle.com. For upcoming fundraisers, events, and volunteer opportunities for San Diego’s Ronald McDonald House, please visit www.rmhcsd.org.
