Donate new gifts at Great Park

Through Dec. 9, the Great Park is participating in a toy drive to benefit children and families of Irvine’s adopted Marine battalion from Camp Pendleton, according to a city press release.

The community is being asked to donate a new, unwrapped gift suitable for infants or children through 12 years of age.

A toy collection container will be available in the Great Park Visitors Center, Irvine Civic Center and Irvine Police Department.

Toys will be distributed to service member families of the 2nd Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division (2/11) during a holiday program in December. The battalion, composed of about 750 marines and sailors, was officially adopted by the city of Irvine in September 2007.

As an additional incentive, on Sundays during the drive, the Great Park Farmers Market will offer $1 off coupons for participants who bring a new, unwrapped toy to the market. The coupons can be used that day at the gourmet food trucks featured at the Farmers Market.

For additional toy drive information, contact Brittany Hale, 2/11 Marine Adoption Committee chairwoman, at (949) 230-4406.

—Sarah Peters