The Downtown Raleigh Ambassadors are hosting their second annual Christmas drive on Monday, December 19 at the downtown City Plaza Ice Rink. Polar Ice House is sponsoring the event and if you bring canned goods, toys or clothes you will receive free admission to ice skate. The event will also include mini skate lessons, live bands and prize giveaways!

Here is the information from the press release:

"Raleigh, NC (Dec. 16, 2011) – The holiday season is known as a time for family, cookies and merriment but it is also a season of hope. To spread the goodwill, the Downtown Raleigh Ambassadors are hosting their second annual Christmas drive at the AT&T Raleigh WinterFest Ice Rink in City Plaza on December 19 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. sponsored by Polar Ice House.

Triangle-area residents are invited to bring canned goods, toys, gently used or new jackets, blankets, scarves and winter hats. With the donation of an item, participants can enjoy free admission to the ice rink and all donations will go to benefit local downtown charities.

In addition to free admission, Polar Ice House will have instructors on the ice from 5- 7 p.m. A great opportunity for parents and kids to learn a few skills while having some fun and giving back to the community.

There will also be Christmas performances by RazzaMaJazz Dixieland Band, the Carpe Diem Saxophone Quartet, Outside Soul, and other musical surprises to get skaters in the holiday mood. And to stick with the giving theme, there will be prize giveaways throughout the day.

The Downtown Raleigh Ambassadors are known for making a difference downtown through their daily clean, hospitality and safety services. The Ambassadors job is to make everyone downtown feel safe and hospitable each and every time you walk the downtown streets. Whether you are going to work, to visit or to play, the Ambassadors want to make your experiences positive and inviting."

For more information on the event, HERE.