FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 9, 2010
THE SALVATION ARMY SERVING EASTERN CONTRA COSTA COUNTY
IN DESPERATION MODE FOR DONATED TOYS
Organization Only Has 34 Toys Out of the 13,000 Needed for Registered Families
Antioch (CA)-The Salvation Army serving Eastern Contra Costa County (California’s delta region) is
officially in desperation mode when it comes to the need for donated toys.
The organization has 650 families registered to receive Christmas assistance this year consisting of
new toys for children and food boxes for families. The numbers of families in need is about 30%
higher than in previous years.
“Most of the families registered have more than one child, two to three on average. We like to provide
more than one toy per child so the numbers of toys needed ads up very fast,” said Major Jackie Smith,
Antioch Salvation Army Corps Officer.
IN ORDER TO PROVIDE NEW TOYS TO ALL THE REGISTERED CHILDREN AS WELL AS THE
300 CHILDREN ATTENDING THE SALVATION ARMY’S HOLIDAY PARTY, OVER 13,000 TOYS
ARE NEEDED AND ONLY 34 HAVE BEEN DONATED THUS FAR!
The Salvation Army of Antioch is making a desperate plea to the public for help. The organization’s
food and toy distribution process begins next week and they have nearly nothing to provide for families.
“During the 18 years I have served The Salvation Army, I have never been this nervous about providing
for people inneed,” Smith said. “Every year we get enough donated toys to support all of our registered
families, but this year I am coming to the realization that this may not be possible unless we get some
much needed help from local businesses and generous citizens and we need some help FAST!”
Toys are needed for every age group, infant to teen. Suggested toys include:
For ages infant-toddler: Toddler-elementary: Pre-teen: Teens:
Musical toys Dolls/Disney Toys Craft/Make-Up Kits Gift Cards
Educational toys Trucks/Action Figures Sports Equipment MP 3 Players
Donations of toys or cash can be dropped off at, or sent to:
The Salvation Army of Antioch
To donate online, visit: www:salarmyantioch.org
525 E. 18th Street, Antioch, CA 94509
Or, P.O. Box 3317, Antioch, CA 94531
For more information, please contact:
Major Jackie Smith-Antioch Salvation Army Corps Officer
