More than three decades ago, Mara Cantelo started serving a free Christmas dinner in Yucca Valley so no one would ever have to spend Christmas alone. The event has become one of the biggest all-volunteer efforts in the Morongo Basin; every year, 2,000-3,000 people are fed a free dinner on Christmas day. Children who attend also receive a free toy. But lots of volunteers are needed to make this a successful event. Reporter Heather Clisby has the details about this annual event…
When Mara Cantelo, the founder of Tender Loving Christmas, passed away in September 2017, two friends joined forces and renamed her efforts “Mara’s Christmas Wish” so the holiday generosity continues. Paul Hoffman and Gigi Connell now spearhead the annual tradition of sharing and giving to others who find themselves alone or without on Christmas Day. Mara’s Christmas Wish is seeking toy donations that will be passed out on Christmas Day during the free all-you-can-eat buffet meal.
Donation drop-off locations include the Z107.7 station, 6448 Hallee Road, Suite 5, in Joshua Tree. Monetary donations by check can be mailed to Mara’s Christmas Wish Inc. 57552 Twentynine Palms Highway, #250, Yucca Valley, 92284. For more info, visit maraschristmaswish.org. or the Mara’s Christmas Wish Facebook page.
Meetings for volunteers will be held December 17, at 6:30 p.m. in the Cholla Room of the Yucca Valley Community Center. Volunteers are still needed to help decorate the community center prior to Christmas Day, set up on Christmas morning, serve food on Christmas Day, and take down and store the decorations on December 26.
