Donations requested for Menifee Santa's Workshop

A room full of toys greeted children in need at one of the past Santa's Workshops at Quail Valley Elementary School. File photo

Menifee residents have the opportunity to help make a child's Christmas a happy one by donating a toy for Saturday's Menifee Santa's Workshop.

The annual event, to be held at Quail Valley Elementary School, is open only to children of low-income families who have qualified through an application process with Menifee Valley Community Cupboard. More than 800 children have qualified to attend the event, where they get to meet Santa, pick out new toys and fellowship with the many volunteers.

Debbie Manion, president elect of Menifee Rotary Club and chairperson for the workshop, said the Rotary Club has been involved in the event all 12 years and is happy to be the sponsor for the second year.

"These kids would have nothing at this time of year if we didn't do this," Manion said. "And for many of them, this is the only family picture they get all year. The whole family gets their picture taken with Santa."

The children are separated from their parents when they enter an auditorium full of toys, where Santa's elves help them pick out their favorites. Later, they are reunited with their parents to walk down the hall and receive free stocking stuffers, including stuffed animals, books and games. Punch and cookies are served.

Members of the Riverside County Fire Department also participate through the Spark of Love program. Donations made after the date of the event are kept in storage for firefighters to present to fire victims throughout the year.

New, unwrapped toys, books, puzzles and games may be dropped off in one of the many donation boxes in town, including all fire stations, City Hall and the Sun City Library.