November 21, 2014

Giving Thanks and Helping Kids!

Annual Holiday Toy & Hoodie Drive for the Students of Verde Elementary in North Richmond

Next week we celebrate Thanksgiving. It's a great time to appreciate what we have, and to share our good fortune with those in need.

I am grateful for our community's generosity. For the past 16 years, we've supported the Verde Elementary Toy and Coat Drive. It's one of my favorite traditions. This year, I hope you'll join me in supporting this effort with a new twist!

Verde is hoping to improve school climate and student achievement by reminding students that they are "stars" every day. The idea is to give each student a new hoodie printed with the words "Work Hard! Get Smart! Be Nice!." The hoodies will not only provide warmth, but become part of the school uniform.

With your help, we can order a hoodie for every student.

But that's not all. The toy drive continues! We're also raising money and accepting donations to provide a new toy to every student.

To make this happen we need to raise over $7500 to cover 320 hoodies and toys. Donations of new age-appropriate toys (K - 6th Grade), and especially, cash or check donations are much appreciated and tax deductible. All donations must be received by Friday, December 12th.

Checks should be made payable to the non-profit Neighborhood House of North Richmond c/o 2014 Verde Toy Drive. Toys must be unwrapped.

Donations and checks can be dropped off or mailed to my office, 11780 San Pablo Avenue, Suite D, El Cerrito, CA 94530. Just north of the El Cerrito Del Norte BART Station.

If you have questions, please contact James Lyons in my office (510-231-8692).

A warm thanks in advance for your help and support, and have a great Thanksgiving Holiday.

Sincerely,

John

John Gioia
Supervisor, District One

Contra Costa County

11780 San Pablo Avenue, Suite D

El Cerrito, CA 94530

510-231-8686 Phone (New Phone Number)

510-374-3429 Fax
John_Gioia@bos.cccounty.us
www.cocobos.org/gioia

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