Fashion Island event looking for a few good gift cards

A Christmas countdown of holiday gift drives is being held at Fashion Island on Saturdays to benefit three local charities.

A toy drive was hosted by Becksrand Cancer Foundation on Saturday. The foundation’s three youth auxiliaries — Four Pearls, Junior Pearls and Mini Pearls — collected 150 new, unwrapped gifts for children in their BELIEVE program, according to a news release.

The drive had a massive increase compared with last year’s net of 50 toys because of efforts put forth by a past program recipient, who spent numerous hours raising awareness in the community, said Kaerie Ray, director of development.

Gift card drives will be hosted by Laura’s House, on Saturday, and WISEPlace, on Dec. 18., in the gazebo in the Neiman Marcus-Bloomingdale’s Courtyard from noon to 4 p.m.

The organizations ask that gift cards include basic needs, such as grocery, pharmacy, gas, casual and quick dining, department store, book store, clothing and shoe store gift cards appropriate for a variety of ages.

Shoppers who support these causes will receive a special thank you item from a Fashion Island merchant, including Yard House, Auntie Anne’s Pretzels and Canaletto Ristorante Veneto.

For more information, call Fashion Island at (949) 721-2000.