Local nonprofit community organizations will collect new and gently used items at a drive-thru donation drive at Lakeside Church, located at 745 Oak Avenue Parkway, from 7 a.m. to noon Saturday, September 16.

Thank you for your support! Call 916-461-6632 for more information about the Community Service Day donation drive.

Community Blood Drive
As part of Folsom Community Service Day, Vitalant is hosting a community blood drive from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, September 16 at Lakeside Church, 745 Oak Avenue Parkway in Folsom. The bloodmobile bus will be located in the parking lot. Schedule an appointment online in advance. The entire donation process takes about one hour; donors must be at least age 16.  For eligibility questions call Vitalant at 877-258-4825 or visit vitalant.org for more information. Your blood donation can help save a life!

Bicycles for Children and Adults – Folsom State Prison will collect new or used bicycles. The bicycles are refurbished by Folsom State Prison inmates and then later donated to community members in need.

Eyeglasses – The Folsom Host Lions Club will collect new or used eyeglasses for the Folsom Vision Project, which provides glasses to those who cannot afford them.

Yarn and Fabric – The Folsom Lake Lions Club will collect yarn to support the Hooks N Needles program at Folsom State Prison, where inmates crochet, knit, and sew a variety of items such as caps, scarves, small blankets, and toys. The collected fabric is donated to Placer County Jail, where inmates make blankets, pillows, backpacks, tree ornaments, superhero capes, and more. The finished items are then donated to a number of charitable organizations.

Happy Smiles Toy Drive – New toys for children of all ages are being collected for regional children’s hospitals and nonprofits. Items being collected include large puzzles (250-500 pieces), card games, squeeze toys/balls/fidgets, Squishmallows, Lego/Duplo kits, craft kits, gift cards (Starbucks, Jamba Juice, Target, Amazon, Walmart).

Toy/gift card donations may be brought to the Happy Smiles Toy Drive collection boxes at these locations now through September 15, and to Lakeside Church the morning of September 16:

• Folsom Public Library – 411 Stafford Street
• Safeway – 1850 Prairie City Road
• Toy Donation Drive Sponsor – 299 Fetter Court

Purses – Julie’s Purse Project will collect new and gently used purses and donate them to regional organizations that assist homeless women, survivors of sex trafficking and domestic violence, wildfire survivors, and women being released on parole from Folsom Prison.

Shelter Pet Supplies – help animals in need at the Sacramento SPCA and Homeward Bound Golden Retriever Rescue. Items accepted: soft training treats for dogs, peanut butter (xylitol free), unopened dry dog food (for community pet pantry), cat food (canned pate style), cat toys, cardboard cat scratchers, canned unsweetened pumpkin, Kong toys for dogs (L & XL needed the most), misc dog toys, trash bags, poop bags, dog "cookie" treats, blankets (new/gently used), paper towels, and pill pockets.

Hygiene Products – hygiene products for all ages and genders (shampoo, toothpaste, brushes, combs, soap, etc.)  are being collected for donation to WEAVE (Women Escaping a Violent Environment).

Christmas Gift Wrapping Supplies – gift wrapping supplies (rolls of wrapping paper, ribbon spools, bows, gift bags, etc.) are being collected for donation to Powerhouse Ministries Christmas Around Towne program.

Coats – New and gently used coats are being collected for donation to regional organizations that assist homeless and foster youth.