Community Gathers to Make Christmas Special for Children

By: Judy Smith

Community Writer

Photo Courtesy of:

MV Elk's Lodge

Photo Description:

Standing in front of the toys are (from left) James Vass, Commander of VFW Post 8547 in Moreno Valley; Christy Williams, Exalted Ruler of the Moreno Valley Elks; and Preston Welch, coordinator of the toy drive for both the Moreno Valley Elks and the VFW post.
Moreno Valley Elks Lodge No. 2697 and VFW Post 8547 of Moreno Valley and Ysmael R. Villegas Memorial Post 184 in Riverside teamed up to make this Christmas a special time for less-fortunate children. The two Moreno Valley groups collected toys for the Toys for Tots toy drive and VFW Post 184, who contributed $250 to donate to Toys for Tots. Additionally, during the holiday season, Moreno Valley Elks provided Christmas gifts to disabled veterans in the veterans hospital in Loma Linda and donated additional toys for needy children throughout the community.