Community Spirit Shines: Joy Drive Supports Families in Need

Volunteers for the Love Thy Neighborhood Joy Drive include Celeste Calderon, Raquel Freischlag, Donna Titus, Stasi McAteer, and Holly Strum. The Joy Drive, which is a key initiative from the nonprofit Love Thy Neighborhood, aims to support families in need in Ocean Beach.

This nonprofit is an offshoot of the OB Toy and Food Drive and is led by Raquel Freischlag along with a dedicated board of community volunteers. The Joy Drive will take place on December 13 from noon to 2 p.m. at Resurrection Church, located at 2083 Sunset Cliffs Boulevard.

Families will have the opportunity to shop for gifts for their children at no cost, creating a dignified shopping experience. According to Freischlag, donated items will be organized on tables by type and age group, ensuring families can find exactly what they want.

The environment will be festive, featuring Christmas music and complimentary cookies. In addition to the Joy Drive, Love Thy Neighborhood also hosts a Share Fair, a free clothing swap held periodically at Resurrection Church.

Other holiday events include the Santa Experience on three Saturdays: December 6, 13, and 20, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Veterans Plaza, located at 1900 Ocean Front Way. Another event, the Holiday Hullabaloo, is scheduled for December 12 at 6:30 p.m. at Submerge Church, located at 4851 Newport Avenue.

Looking ahead, Love Thy Neighborhood has plans to establish a drop-in resource center for the needy in Ocean Beach, inspired by the successful model of The Compass Station in Pacific Beach. This initiative emphasizes the importance of community spirit and collective action in supporting those who are less fortunate during the holiday season.

According to the Times of San Diego, such community-driven efforts highlight the power of kindness and generosity in making a significant impact on families in need.