Lantern Crest Senior Living Hosts Holiday Toy Drive

The senior living community partners with local charities to collect donations for children in need.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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Lantern Crest Senior Living in Santee, California has launched a holiday toy drive to benefit local children through partnerships with The Santee Santas and Rady's Children's Foundation. The community is inviting residents, families, and the broader public to donate new, unwrapped toys that will be distributed to children in need during the holiday season.

Why it matters

The toy drive initiative allows Lantern Crest's senior residents to engage with the local community and give back, which can provide therapeutic benefits and a sense of purpose. It also strengthens the connection between the retirement community and the surrounding Santee area.

The details

Lantern Crest has set up collection points throughout its facility where residents, families, and visitors can drop off donations. The collected toys will be distributed to children through The Santee Santas organization and Rady's Children's Foundation. Staff report that residents across all levels of care, including independent living, assisted living, and memory care, have expressed enthusiasm about participating in the drive.

  • The toy drive will run throughout the 2026 holiday season.

The players

Lantern Crest Senior Living

A senior retirement community located in Santee, California that offers independent living, assisted living, and memory care services.

The Santee Santas

A local organization that provides holiday gifts to families in need in the Santee area.

Rady's Children's Foundation

A foundation that supports pediatric healthcare initiatives and enhances the experience of young patients receiving medical treatment.

Jane

The Community Relations Director at Lantern Crest Senior Living.

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What they’re saying

“This toy drive embodies the spirit of generosity that defines our community. Our residents are eager to participate in activities that allow them to give back, and this initiative provides a wonderful opportunity for them to make a difference in the lives of local children during the holidays.”

— Jane, Community Relations Director (bakercityherald.com)

What’s next

Lantern Crest Senior Living will continue collecting toy donations through the end of the holiday season and coordinate with The Santee Santas and Rady's Children's Foundation to distribute the items to children in need.

The takeaway

Lantern Crest's holiday toy drive demonstrates how senior living communities can foster intergenerational connections and provide meaningful engagement opportunities for residents, while also supporting local charitable initiatives that benefit children and families.