This year's Raiders Women's Association Holiday Gift Drive produced over 200 gifts that went out to support the efforts of three local organizations that assist underserved families and children-- Angel Tree, the Family Justice Center's "Natalie's Nook" Book Drive, and/or A Safe Place.
The two-week drive that culminated on December 15 asked for the RWA to help the less fortunate by donating gifts that were presented by our organization's member to each of those local entities. Many in the RWA requested tags to sponsor Bay area youngsters for the Oakland Salvation Army's Angel Tree program. The Salvation Army in Oakland interviews low income families for Christmas assistance as well as houses families in its homeless shelter, which has a waiting list. Those families and their children were recipients of the Angel Tree Program.
RWA members also came through with books to assist the Alameda County Family Justice Center's "Natalie's Nook," an area where children between the ages of 0 – 5 can come and find books geared towards literacy through "123 READ," a children's program which will help build language skills, spark imagination, and strengthen relationships through reading, singing, and talking together.
The ACFJC is a one-stop center, with 30 onsite and over 50 offsite agencies and programs, for individuals and families experiencing domestic violence, stalking, sexual assault and exploitation, child abuse, child abduction, elder and dependent adult abuse, and human trafficking.
In addition, the RWA provided A SAFE PLACE with boxes of gifts that were suggested by the organization as items of need for its clients and ranged from toys to household and kitchen supplies to clothing to toiletries.
A SAFE PLACE is a domestic violence program for battered victims and children that operates a shelter facility with 20 beds with individual living space. The Emergency Shelter Program provides up to eight weeks of shelter and therapeutic environment for women and their children. An interim motel program is also available to provide emergency accommodations.
Thank you to those who participated in our Holiday Gift Drive. Your gracious donations are bringing Holiday cheer to many youngsters and families in our community. Those efforts directly match the mission of the Raiders Women's Association, which is to partner with non-profit organizations in the Oakland/Greater Bay Area to assist and support efforts geared towards a healthy lifestyle and literacy. The RWA is open to all spouses and significant others of players, coaches and staff. All are welcome to participate in the events and activities organized by the RWA.
