SADDLEBACK VALLEY : Sweaters For Needy to Be Collected Today

When South County residents were asked to contribute clothing to the needy during last year’s inaugural Sweater Saturday, they didn’t hold back. More than 25,000 used sweaters, jackets and sweat shirts were collected.

But organizers hope to top that figure today.

“Despite the incredible response last October, the need has not gone away,” said Don Felsinger, a vice president for San Diego Gas & Electric, which is sponsoring the event. “We’re pleased to offer our leadership and support again this year.”

Collection points are set up at several sites in South County. Used sweaters will be accepted from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Collection centers include

Vons supermarket, 32401 Camino Capistrano in San Juan Capistrano; Vons Pavilions supermarkets at 24 Monarch Bay Plaza in Dana Point, 23932 Aliso Creek Road in Laguna Niguel and 26022 Marguerite Parkway in Mission Viejo; Household Bank in San Clemente, 501 N. El Camino Real and 638 Camino De Las Mares; and the Pizza Store & More, 25610 Alicia Parkway in Laguna Hills.

Several public agencies also will be collecting sweaters. They include city halls in Dana Point, Laguna Beach, Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel, Mission Viejo, San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano.

Community centers taking donations will be the Sea Country Community & Senior Center at 24602 Aliso Creek Road in Laguna Niguel; Norman P. Murray Community and Senior Center at 24932 Oso Viejo Road in Mission Viejo; San Clemente Community Center, 242 Avenida Del Mar; and Ole Hanson Beach Club, 189 Avenida La Cuesta in San Clemente.

After today, the sweaters will be distributed to charitable organizations throughout Orange County.

For information about Sweater Saturday, call (714) 361-8015.