COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO. -- The Bob Telmosse Foundation announces that it has selected the date and location for this year's Bob Telmosse Christmas Giveaway.
"We are pleased to announce that the 2010 Bob Telmosse Christmas Giveaway will be held on Monday, Dec. 20, from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., or whenever supplies run out," said foundation board member Carol Reinert. "And this year we will be at a new location: 25-117 W. Vermijo, which previously had been Chrissy Fowler Lumber."
Now celebrating its 29th year of helping the Colorado Springs community, The Bob Telmosse Christmas Giveaway is one of the oldest grass roots Christmas giveaways in the state.
"What makes this event unique is that if you need help, you don't have to sign up or get an admission ticket. You just need to come," explains Reinert. "No proof of income or need is required."
At the event children can choose their Christmas present from donated age-appropriate toys and participate in the ever-popular bike raffle while families can receive food bags.
Also unique to the Bob Telmosse Christmas Giveaway is Olivia's Corner, an area at the giveaway where children can select a present to give to their caregiver and have it wrapped for them onsite.
Staffed by hundreds of volunteers, the giveaway depends on the generosity of the community.
"This event is truly people helping people," says new board member Lora Schrock. "Corporate funding doesn't make the event happen, it's caring individuals giving of their time and resources to help someone else. It's what should happen at Christmastime."
The Bob Telmosse Christmas Giveaway began in 1982 when an ad promoting a free food giveaway ran in the Colorado Springs Gazette as a hoax.
Business owner Bob Telmosse took it upon himself to buy food for those who believed the ad and enlisted others in the community to help as well.
He continued the yearly giveaway, moving it to Christmas and expanding it to include toys, bikes, and Olivia's Corner.
The event has grown steadily, serving upwards of 5,000 to 10,000 people.
Bob Telmosse passed away in 2006.
For more information, visit www.santa-bob.org.
This years drop-off locations include:
* All 7 People's Bank locations
* Hot Tub Heaven - 4039 Tutt Blvd.
* Family Evaluation Services - 10 Boulder Cres. Ste 204
* Accents Salon - 76 S Sierra Madre
* Ted's Bicycles (Bikes) - 3016 N Hancock Ave.
(Ted's Bicycles is the "official repair facility". They act as a donation center and inspect and repair donated used bikes. Last year they inspected and repaired over 450 bicycles -This year they are targeting 600!)
Upcoming Events:
* Wendy's Community Night
222 N Wahsatch
Tuesday, Nov. 16, 5-8 p.m.
A portion of the profits from food sold during that time period to the Bob Telmosse' Christmas Giveaway.
* Back East Bar and Grill is selling $1 coupons that are going 100% to the giveaway.
Chapel Hills & Briargate Pkwy.
Wednesday, Dec. 1, 4-8 p.m.
Raffle/Silent Auction
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