Looking to get a good deed out of the way before everyone jumps on the bandwagon? It’s easier than you thought, but a little noisier than you might like.
Contribute to the holiday spirit by attending the 30th Annual Chuy’s Children Giving to Children Parade on Saturday, Nov. 24. The parade collects toys for local nonprofit Operation Blue Santa to donate to children in need. It might sound too good to be true. Charity as easy as donating an unwrapped toy? Without any strings attached? The answer is no, being charitable isn’t that simple. You still have to find parking in central Austin (putting to practice your parallel parking skills).
If the parking situation is weakening your big-hearted resolve, then you might want to consider using the SpotHero app to book a parking spot in advance. Once you’ve cleared the hurdle between you and your humanitarian desires this year, you will have to pick a good spot between the State Capital at 11th and South Congress down Cesar Chavez to watch the parade. Get there no later than 11am to ensure your donation gets into “Santa’s” hands.
The parade is about an hour long and consists of giant inflatable balloons, festive floats, famous children’s characters, marching bands, classic cars, and the obligatory Santa to ensure the kids get their “ho, ho, ho” fix. When the time is right, the parade will be open to donations and the kids will flood the traffic-less street to do their good deed.
Operation Blue Santa hopes to collect 30,000 toys for children in the community. Get the kids in the charitable giving spirit before they’re jaded.
This article appears in November 23 • 2018.