Never Miss a Chance to Do the Most Good

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Never Miss a Chance to Do the Most Good

Please enter your name, email and zip code below to sign up!

Please enter your first name
Please enter your last name
Please enter a valid email address
Please enter a valid zip code

Never Miss a Chance to Do the Most Good

Please enter your name, email and zip code below to sign up!

Please enter your first name
Please enter your last name
Please enter a valid email address
Please enter a valid zip code
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TOY & JOY CHRISTMAS PROGRAM
(For children 0-12)
Hosted by The Salvation Army Kroc Center San Diego
Making Spirits Bright

The Salvation Army Kroc Center invites eligible families to apply to our Toy & Joy Christmas program, for low-income families will receive a generous number of toys, food, and much more. Space is limited and donations are secured by generous community members.

ELIGIBILITY

Q: Who is eligible?
A: Families with children ages 0–12 who live in your household and are under your legal care.

Priority is given in this order:
1. Kroc Center Family Resource Center (FRC) client (file updated since Jan 1, 2025)
2. Your children attend one of our Partner Schools (Carver, Children of the Rainbow Preschool at Kroc, Fay, Ibarra, Language Academy, La Mesa Arts, La Mesa Dale, Lemon Avenue, Pendleton, Rolando, Rolando Park, Tubman Village Charter, Vista La Mesa)
3. Families who live in ZIP codes (91941-91946, 92105, 92115, 92119, 92120, 92182, 91977, 91978)

 

APPLICATION PROCESS
Q: What are the steps to apply?
1. If you meet the guidelines above, fill out the Interest Form between 10/1/25 – 10/31/25.

2. You will receive an email from the Salvation Army Angel Tree system (saangeltree.org) with a personal INVITATION CODE. Check your spam folder if you don’t receive it in early November.

3. Complete the registration process at saangeltree.org with your INVITATION CODE by 11/15/25.
4. You will receive an email from the Salvation Army Angel Tree system with your date/time for a parent to shop in our Holiday store. Shopping dates will be by appointment from Dec 19-21st.

 

PROGRAMMING

Q: What can I expect on my Shopping Day?

- Our program is set up like a store for 1 parent/guardian to shop for their children.

- Adults only. No children are allowed, so we can keep the magic of Christmas.

- Please remember to bring your ID to the Salvation Army Kroc Center on your assigned date and time.

 

DOCUMENTATION
Q: What documents might I need?
- Photo ID for adults and birth certificates for children
- Proof of income for all adults 18 and over living in the home
- Proof of address (utility bill)

 

OTHER RESOURCES
Q: What if I don’t live in the ZIP codes listed?
A: Email
[email protected]

Be sure to include your name, children’s names, schools, and ages and we will refer you to the Salvation Army that serves your location or 211 San Diego.

Q: I have a question about the ADOPT-A-FAMILY Program.

A: Some families may be selected for this special program through nomination from their children’s schools and will be notified directly.

Online Wish Lists


With your help, we can Rescue Christmas for families with nowhere else to turn. Here are a couple of easy ways to provide people in need with toys and food both in-person and virtually. Bring your network together to collect nonperishable and canned foods and new toys in person or send out the link to our online Toy and Food Drive through are Amazon and Walmart Wish Lists.  

Amazon Wish List  Walmart Wish Lists  

Collect new toys from your family, friends, church and/or co-workers in a way that fits your schedule.

  • Simply publicize your drive and collect the items, and we’ll pick them up for you. You’ll definitely have a more meaningful Christmas knowing you’ve helped bring joy to the hearts of those who are often overlooked during the holidays.
  • We can provide collection bins, toy suggestions based on ages, and customizable poster templates. If there are additional resources you need, please reach out and we will gladly help.
  • Please make sure the gifts are new and unwrapped as we would like to give the parents the opportunity to do this for their child.

Collect non-perishable and canned foods that will help provide a warm, delicious holiday meal for struggling families. 

  • The Salvation Army will incorporate the food into boxes for families and individuals experiencing food insecurity. Each food box is designed to feed a family of four for a week.
  • We can provide collection bins, suggested food lists, and customizable poster templates. If there are additional resources you need, please reach out and we will gladly help.

Encourage your Friend’s to help this Christmas with Facebook or email.

You can set up a Facebook Fundraiser for your friends to contribute or a digital kettle link to share by email. Did you know you can do a Birthday Fundraiser for us through Facebook? 

e-fundraising info

Volunteer to Ring the Bell!

The Salvation Army's Red Kettles are a part of American popular culture and when our bells ring, they signal that Christmas is near.
The Salvation Army is able to help struggling individuals, families, and communities thanks to our Red Kettle volunteers.  The need for a bright Christmas will be great, but we are committed to being a source of help and hope for all who seek us.  The funds raised at each kettle location will stay in the community to provide much needed support.

To register time to ring The Salvation Army kettle bell, please visit: RegisterToRing.com and search for a location in your zip code. All money raised will stay in the community where you rang. 

Download the flyer




Thank you for your generous support, so we can continue to meet the increasing needs of our communities

Make a donation     Learn more about The Salvation Army


 

Have Questions?

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