It seems that nearly every family has its own unique Christmas observances. Many people are especially proud of Christmas traditions brought to the United States from their countries of origin. The wonderful diversity of foods, music and songs, prayers and stories all make Christmas the holiday of holidays in the United States.
The family Christmas dinner, when the house is full of family, who may only see each other once a year, is one of the most cherished events of the holiday season. Whether the meal is traditional, with a feast of turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes and an assortment of baked goods, or is of an ethnic nature makes no difference. The mere fact that you are home for the holidays and surrounded by a loving family and friends is the key to holiday bliss.
With the Christmas Dinner as a focus the Friends of Oakley – A Community Foundation has, since 2008, set out to help those families that may find themselves in need of some assistance during the Christmas season. The Christmas Basket Program provides a turkey, fresh produce, boxes of non-perishable food items and unwrapped presents for each child in the family under the age of 18 to every family that registers.
The process begins in November with the distribution of barrels for the collection of toys and non-perishable food. Barrels are located throughout the community, generally at the following locations: Almond Grove School, Delta Vista Middle School, Freedom High School, Gehringer School, Iron House Elementary, Laurel Elementary, Oakley Elementary, Oakley OUESD District Office, O’Hara Park Middle School, Orchard Park School, Vintage Parkway Elementary, Bank of the West, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Diablo Vista Dental, Diamond Hills Sports Club, ECC Bank (Bank of Agriculture and Commerce), Kiddie Academy, Les Schwab, Renewed Life Church, Oakley City Hall, Oakley Police Department, Sunshine House and Travis Credit Union
The success for this event is due to the volunteers who participate during the entire process.
Friends of Oakley – PO Box 210, Oakley, CA 94561 EIN: 80-0298285 ©2009
Friends of Oakley - A Community Foundation 