Salvation Army Officer Skydives for Holiday Assistance Awareness

A Salvation Army officer plans to skydive Saturday to raise awareness of the need for holiday assistance in northern San Diego County.

Lt. Jay Koebel will skydive for the second consecutive year during a toy and food drive event scheduled at the Oceanside Municipal Airport between noon and 2 p.m. Saturday.

"In Oceanside, we are seeing families with such great needs," Koebel said. "So far, over 800 families, 1,100 children, have applied for Christmas assistance. We need the help of the community."

The "Dive Into Christmas" event will include refreshments, a Salvation Army brass band and a giant red kettle. Attendees are encouraged to bring non- perishable food and/or new, unwrapped toys.

The event will take place outside Tsunami Skydivers at 480 Airport Road. Koebel's jump is scheduled for 1 p.m.

— City News Service