Ceremonial ribbon cutting and toy drive kick off “12 Days of Giving” at iconic Santa Claus Park
OXNARD — Ventura County Fifth District Supervisor John C. Zaragoza and Ventura County CEO Mike Powers will be joined by county non-profit organizations, local police and fire department volunteers and other elected officials to celebrate Giving Tuesday with a ceremonial ribbon cutting at 8 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 1 at the starting line of Santa to the Sea at Santa Claus Park in Oxnard.
Ventura County residents are encouraged to participate by stopping by the Santa statue during their coffee break or on their way to work and donating an unwrapped toy to benefit the underserved youth in Oxnard, organizers reported in a media release.
The iconic Santa statue is the starting line for the 8th annual Santa to the Sea half marathon and toy drive taking place on Sunday Dec. 13, and also serves as a symbol of giving in the community of Oxnard. Event director Mike Barber started the Santa Claus Park toy giveaway in 2003 in response to the growing community need for support during the holidays.
Courtesy photo
“Mike has been an asset and an inspiration to our community,” Zaragoza said. “The whole mission of the Santa to the Sea run embodies what it means to give back, and what we’re asking the community to do on Giving Tuesday.”
During the ribbon cutting ceremony, Zaragoza and Powers will present Barber with a certificate of appreciation for his 12 years of service and dedication to the community of Oxnard. Every year, Barber asks Santa to the Sea participants to bring an unwrapped toy to the starting line of the half marathon or 5K run. Last year’s event collected over 3,000 toys which were distributed right back to the local children of Oxnard. The annual run also raises scholarship funds and donates a portion of proceeds to local charities such as FOOD Share and the Boys & Girls Club.
“There’s so much that can be done to give back,” says Barber. “Even if you’re not a runner, you can join our toy drive or look for other ways to support the people around you.” The 12 Days of Giving begins with Giving Tuesday on Dec. 1, and concludes on Sunday, Dec. 13. Numerous opportunities for giving back are available throughout the community:
- Dec 1: Stop by Santa Claus Park between 8:30 and 9:30 a.m. and donate an unwrapped toy to the Santa to the Sea toy drive – or- sign up for the ½ Marathon or 5k at www.santatothesea.com
- Dec. 5 and 6: Join FOOD Share and Cumulus Media at The Collection at RiverPark for the 4th Annual CAN-tree Collection food drive. Bring food and cash donations to support the hungry in Ventura County. For details visit www.foodshare.com
- Contact your local hospital or senior care facility and inquire about holiday volunteer opportunities.
- Spend an evening serving food at the nearest soup kitchen or rescue mission.
- Visit volunteerventuracounty.org for a complete listing of volunteer opportunities and ways to make a difference in your community.
- Share your story of giving on social media with the hashtag #GivingTuesday
About Santa to the Sea: Almost 13 years ago, Santa moved from his previous home on Santa Claus Lane in Carpinteria to his new residence off the 101 Freeway in Neyland Acres in Oxnard. So great was the community support of and efforts to assist with Santa’s relocation, that his new owner and Santa to the Sea race director Mike Barber, launched the annual Santa Claus Park toy giveaway in 2003. Recognizing the increasing need throughout the city of Oxnard, Barber launched the Santa to the Sea half marathon in 2008 to raise toys and funds to serve the youth of the community. Now in its 8th year, Santa to the Sea is one of the most festive races and largest one-day toy drives in Ventura County.