The season of giving is upon us, and The Nice Guys of San Diego (NG) are gearing up for their 31st Annual Community Holiday Party on Saturday, December 9, 2023, at Inspiration Point Balboa Park. This heartwarming event is a testament to the organization’s commitment to providing joy and blessings to families in need during the holiday season.
The NG, a non-profit organization formed in 1979, was established with the mission of offering “a hand up, not a handout” to individuals and families facing financial hardships. With no paid staff, the organization relies entirely on dedicated community volunteers. As John McAvoy, NG President, emphasizes, “Every single dollar we raise goes to needy San Diegans.”
The roots of the NG’s holiday initiative date back to 1985 when they began by purchasing 100 turkeys to distribute to those in need in the San Diego community. Over the years, this humble start has evolved into the largest single charitable donation the NG makes each year. Invitations are extended to individuals, families, seniors, and military personnel identified by various San Diego organizations as having demonstrated a strong need for financial assistance.
This year’s event promises to be particularly special as it marks the first in-person gathering since 2019. The NG aims to assist more than 900 families, fostering a sense of community and connection during a time when many have faced isolation and hardship.
The festivities kick off at 10:00 am and continue until 2:00 pm, offering an array of entertainment and fun for attendees. The event features a delightful menu of hotdogs, drinks, popcorn, and cookies for all. Santa, Mrs. Claus, and the Grinch will be on hand to spread holiday cheer by distributing stockings to the excited children.
Dixieline, a key partner, contributes gifts collected from toy drives in San Diego. First responders, including the San Diego Fire Department, San Diego Police, San Diego Sheriffs, and the California Highway Patrol, will be present to engage with the community. Additionally, San Diego Health and Human Services will provide vaccines, while Scripps Clinic offers dermatology exams.
Various exhibitors, including Walmart and The Lowrider Association, will contribute to the festive atmosphere. Families will have the opportunity to take home a bounty of gifts, including frozen turkeys, sausages, boxes of groceries, toys from Dixieline, stockings for kids, and a $100 gift card for each family.
Kevin Calvo, this year’s event chair, expresses the significance of the occasion, saying, “Along with our continuing efforts to assist those in need during the calendar year, this annual event is a special time in which we dedicate ourselves to helping families.”
The NG’s hope is that through events like these, individuals and families in need will realize that there are caring people in the community who are eager to share their time, treasure, and hearts. The NG men and women exemplify this spirit, putting their money and energy where it can make the most impact.
For more information about The Nice Guys and their initiatives, visit their website at www.sdniceguys.com or contact Kristy Gregg at 619-977-9000 or kvgregg@outlook.com. As the holiday season approaches, let’s come together to celebrate the spirit of giving and make a positive impact in the lives of those who need it most.
