Boys & Girls Club has no toys for its annual drive

Posted on the back wall of the Westside Branch of the Boys & Girls Club at Rea Elementary School are lists of names of about 180 students with homework scores that could reap Christmas presents.

If there are any presents to give.

Volunteers at the organization are trying to gather gifts to provide for the children and their families before the annual Dec. 15 gift event.

Branch director Steve Lampron said gifts usually come at the last minute, but the slumping economy has caused concerns.

Many organizations that usually donate have closed or moved to more cost-efficient areas, making the goal of giving at least three gifts per child more difficult to achieve.

The children with the highest homework totals get first dibs on the toys. Groups of 10 at a time get to choose from the selection, and those who have siblings usually grab a gift or two for them, as well.

Harbor Mesa Lions Club intends to give the children an opportunity to choose gifts for their parents, too.

Call (949) 631-7724 to get more information about donating.

— Daniel Tedford