The generosity of the public who donated toys to this year’s Soboba Gives Back! Toy Drive was outstanding but when Soboba Tribal Elders heard the amount was a little short of expectations this year, they decided to support the project by donating 400 toys.
As longtime Hemet San Jacinto Valley Chamber of Commerce Circle of Influence members, the Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians, Soboba Casino Resort and Soboba Foundation were happy to host the organization’s 2021 Holiday Mixer again this year. More than 450 guests wined and dined at the Soboba Casino Resort Event Center on Dec. 8.
When Ricardo Macias planned his latest Wolves Basketball Camp at the Soboba Sports Complex, he arranged to have the admission price be a new toy that could then be donated to the Soboba Gives Back! Toy Drive. It was a way to show players firsthand the importance of sharing with others. “One thing I want to teach the kids is to give back whenever and however they can,” he said.
The Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians, its Foundation and Soboba Casino Resort joined forces to ensure that needy families would have a hearty meal this Thanksgiving. The San Jacinto Unified School District organized a drive-through event on the Friday before students were released for a weeklong break from school. The following day, Nov. 20, families who received vouchers through Hemet Unified School District programs lined up at the district office on Acacia to receive their meals.
Taking steps to be cognizant of the continuing pandemic concerns while allowing families to celebrate Thanksgiving as it should be led Soboba Tribal Preschool Director Donovan Post to host three days of luncheons at the Soboba Sports Complex Nov. 15-17.