Woodlawn Cemetery will serve as official drop-off spot for gifts
PICO NEIGHBORHOOD The Woodlawn Cemetery & Mausoleum may not embody images of a Hallmark Christmas card, but its staff is committed to making the holidays enjoyable for the less fortunate.
The cemetery, located at 1847 14th Street, will serve as an official drop-off location for the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves’ 60th annual Toys for Tots drive. Those who would like to make a child’s holiday wish come true can drop off unwrapped toys at the cemetery’s business office through Dec. 13, according to Virgil County, the cemetery admi nistrator and a former Marine who served in the reserves from 1981 to ’91.
“While it may seem strange for some people that the cemetery is participating in this toy drive, we always look forward to serving the community in any way we can,” County said. “This is a great opportunity for people to get in touch with their loved ones and donate a toy that will make some child’s Christmas special.”
In addition to Toys for Tots, the cemetery will once again have a holiday tree on display for family members of the deceased to come and hang an ornament in honor of their loved ones who are gone, County said. Following the holidays, the tree will be planted on the cemetery grounds.
The cemetery also provides tours for elementary school children to teach them about the history of the city and the cemetery, and also help them better understand death so that it is not as frightening, County said.
Last year, Toys for Tots delivered more than 19.2 million toys to more than 7.6 million children.
“Unfortunately, with over 13 million children living in poverty, Toys for Tots needs more help than ever to achieve our goal of delivering a toy to every child in need,” County said.
Toys for all age groups are needed. Donations of new, unwrapped toys can be dropped off at the cemetery business office Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m., and on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.
“This really helps us remember what the season is all about,” County said. “And that’s giving to others.”
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on November 16, 2007. Read the original PDF.