Archived News Release from 2005

For Immediate Release

Redwood City PAL, Police, and Fire, Seek Help to Bring Holiday Happiness to Kids With the 2005 Toy and Book Drive

Redwood City, CA - November 28, 2005 - The holiday season is a time of joy, happiness, family, and friendship. Unfortunately, there are local kids and families in need, who don’t have the opportunity to share in the spirit of the holidays. Each year, the Redwood City Police Activities League (PAL) Christmas Toy and Book Drive has brought the holiday spirit right to the doorstep of many needy families. In conjunction with the Police Officers Association and Firefighters Association, and with help from the Fair Oaks Community Center and a corps of volunteers, this annual event has become a welcome tradition in Redwood City. Here's how you can help:

• Businesses are asked to place donation barrels at their sites;
• Individuals and families are encouraged to donate new, unwrapped toys and books;
• Volunteers are asked for their time and energy for ‘wrapping parties’ where everyone takes part in preparing the gifts for the kids, from gift wrapping, to ‘quality control,’ to helping with food and drinks.

Two wrapping parties are scheduled: Monday, December 12 and Thursday, December 15, both at 6:00 pm, at 405 Broadway. Drop-in volunteers are welcome. Volunteers are also needed to pick up food, toys, and books, put together family packages, load up Santa’s ‘sleigh,’ actually help with home delivery, and more. This is a great opportunity to help bring a smile to a child's holiday season.

Last year, 50 local businesses filled 60 donation barrels with over 12,000 toys, and provided them to about 900 needy families. Deliveries take place with Santa Claus in a police car or a fire engine arriving at the home to hand out the presents, giving the kids a thrill they’ll long remember. One thing that makes this program special is the collection and distribution of new books as well as toys. Each child served receives two gifts, a book, a stuffed animal, and several stocking stuffers, all of which bring that holiday sparkle to their eyes.

Donations of toys and books may be made at any collection barrel, or at City Hall, the Police Department, the Main Library, or any fire station. People wishing to make monetary donations, or businesses that would like a collection barrel, should contact Chris Rasmussen at the number above.

Visit Redwood City’s award-winning website at www.redwoodcity.org for information about the City and its services, the community, recreation programs, education, City government, and local business. The Redwood City Police Department website is www.redwoodcity.org/police.

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Contact:
Chris Rasmussen, Executive Director
Redwood City Police Activities League
(650) 556-1650 extension 11