The Knights of Columbus, Simi Valley Council #5803 and Mother Teresa's Christian Services are asking local businesses to join in the fourth annual "Christmas in September" toy drive to help in make sure every child in Simi Valley has at least one toy for Christmas.

Local merchants are being asked to call for a drop box to be positioned in their business for the month of September to bring joy to the children who might not have anything for Christmas. The boxes will be delivered to the participating businesses during the Labor Day weekend along with a poster that describes the program. All toys will be picked up each week until the toy drive ends.

Last year the campaign involved close to 30 local merchants and was augmented by the nationwide "Toys for Tots" campaign sponsored by the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves, who donated hundreds of toys to the church drive. The combined efforts yielded enough donations to touch the lives of over 400 children and their families. Many of the merchants kept the drop boxes well into October to allow additional time for donations. In addition, almost 150 families received boxes of food that included either a complete ham or turkey dinner for their holiday.

This year the drive is looking to expand local merchant participation and reach a new goal of 1,200 toys for the children in this major holiday project. In December, the presents collected will be given to the parents of the children, giving them an opportunity to provide their children with something for Christmas.

The St. Rose of Lima Church community outreach began in the early 1970's at a time when Simi Valley was experiencing a building boom. As new houses and businesses appeared, so too did the urban poor whose income could not keep up with the growing economy. The parish responded by providing food and clothing where needed and throughout the years has expanded to include regular dinners for the poor and homeless, a bereavement program, services to the homebound, shelter, transportation, counseling and referrals. The community outreach program is supported by the parishioners of St. Rose of Lima, the Knights of Columbus and area merchants as well as through private donations.

Mother Teresa's Christian Services is a non-denominational organization that provides food, clothing, and assistance to almost 800 Simi Valley families. Every Christmas, Christian Services sponsors an event for the community's needy that gives food baskets and new toys to the children.

Interested participants may call the "Christmas in September" hot line, (805) 526-7960, or Mother Teresa's Christian Services. (805) 581-0957.