LAKE COUNTY – This week Congressman Mike Thompson launched the 14^th annual Toys for Kids Drive in Lake County.

“The generosity of Lake County residents and businesses the past 13 years has been heartwarming,” said Thompson, who kicked off the drive on Monday.

The effort has provided thousands of children in the community with Christmas gifts, Thompson said.

He credited the ongoing success of the Toys for Kids Drive to hundreds of individuals and businesses who contribute toys, money, and time to wrap and distribute gifts.

This year, Toys for Kids is partnering with a number of local businesses and public agencies in the annual Christmas toy drive.

Partner groups include Lake Transit Authority, Lake Family Resource Center, Lake County Office of Education-Healthy Family and Healthy Start programs, Hidden Valley Lake Community Services District, Wal-Mart of Clearlake and Pacific Gas and Electric Co.

Toy donations may be dropped off at the following locations:

• Clearlake: Best Western El Grande Inn, 15135 Lakeshore Drive;

• Middletown and Hidden Valley Lake: Hidden Valley Lake Community Services District Office, 19400 Hartmann Road;

• Lakeport: Lake County Office of Education, 1152 S. Main St.

Monetary donations can be sent to Toys for Kids, c/o Brad Onorato, P.O. Box 6742, Napa, CA 94581. Nonprofit tax identification numbers are: state of California ID No. 2456994, federal No. 30-0142588.

Toys for Kids is a 501c(3) nonprofit organization overseen by a board of directors composed of county residents.

Board members include Mel Aust and Tami Ipsen, Hidden Valley Lake; Anna Ocon, Clearlake; Peggy McCloud, Lakeport; Bob Minenna, Lower Lake; Margaret Walker-Stimmel, Kelseyville; Dorrie Walker, Lower Lake.

For more information call 707-695-4670.

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