By Jo Moreland
Alpine Mountain Empire Chamber of Commerce
For The Alpine Sun
ALPINE —–The annual Gift Bag Drive by local realtor Jeff Campbell is under way again in East San Diego County!
The major effort to help families eat full meals, keep babies adequately clothed and provide games for underprivileged children is in its 16th year.
By Jo Moreland
Alpine Mountain Empire Chamber of Commerce
For The Alpine Sun
ALPINE —–The annual Gift Bag Drive by local realtor Jeff Campbell is under way again in East San Diego County!
The major effort to help families eat full meals, keep babies adequately clothed and provide games for underprivileged children is in its 16th year.
Owner Jeff Campbell of Jeff Campbell & Associates, a member of the Alpine Mountain Empire Chamber of Commerce, is proud of the fact that the drive he started is not a nonprofit organization and that it isn’t sponsored by any organization.
“This is just a local citizens’ effort,” Campbell said. “It’s a from-the-heart thing. You don’t get a tax write-off because you donate to my charity. You do it because you want to.”
Campbell said this year’s drive is doing very well.
“We’re very thankful for three major contributors —- The Alpine Sun, Albertsons and Waste Management,” he said.
The drive is very simple. Just fill a bag with donations and drop them off before Dec. 20 at The Alpine Sun at 2144 Alpine Blvd. Cash, local sponsors and corporate backing are always welcome.
The bags and money will then be distributed throughout the area to such places as The Polinsky Children’s Center in San Diego, where nearly 1,000 bags of new toys and diapers have been donated in the past to help youngsters.
Over the years the drive has also donated goods or brokered cash to 26 churches and outreach centers, various community organizations and needy families. In addition, the campaign has supported military families and community centers for Christmas programs.
If you would like to donate or learn more about the Gift Bag Drive, call (619) 445-3322 or visit www.GiftBagDrive.com.
