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Wrapping Up Gifts from the Heart A Message from Camille Llanes, Special Projects Assistant Manager As we pack up the left over wrapping paper and gift bags for next year, Kidango’s Special Projects Department will reflect on the difference that was made for children and families this holiday season though Kidango’s heartwarming Gifts from the Heart program. While this program consumes our energy and time throughout the month of December, it is truly a special treat to see parents’ reactions as they learn that their children will be receiving brand new bikes and helmets from TurningWheels for Kids for the holidays this year. At Linda Vista Child Development Center in San Jose yesterday, one mother looked at me with tears in her eyes, held the bike handle in one hand and held her other hand over her heart and said “Thank You.” Also, seeing the excitement on the children’s faces while bags of gifts are being carried into their classrooms or as they take pictures with Santa at the Livermore Dublin Disposal Party, the Southern Wine and Spirits Party, or at the Fremont Elks Party makes this program worth all the long hours and hard work! The 2006 Gifts from the Heart program was very successful this year! 1,800 Kidango children and 150 Community Family Services, A Program of Kidango children received at least one brand new gift for this holiday season. However, sponsors were very generous this year, so the majority of the children received two, three and even four gifts. Approximately, 3,500 gifts came through our Mattos and Meridian Offices during the first two weeks of December and were distributed to our 85 classrooms. Additionally, 228 children enrolled in our San Antonio Part-day Preschool, Linda Vista, Presley and Community Family Services programs received a brand new bike and helmet. It took 31 corporations and/or community organizations and numerous individual sponsors to provide these 1,800 children with a holiday gift. $2, 520 was donated to Kidango’s Gifts from the Heart program this year and enabled us to provide 49 families in need this winter season with gift cards to Albertson’s and Target. With the help of corporate and individual donors, we were able to provide assistance to 59 families in all! Furthermore, the current total for in-kind donations for the 2006 Gifts from the Heart program is well over $10,000. I want to take a moment to thank all of you who support and assist us in making this program successful! It is because of you, our sponsors that we are able to make the wishes our children and families come true. Thank you for your continued support. Have a Happy Holiday season and a healthy and prosperous New Year! Here is our most recently updated list of sponsors…Early next year, a newsletter will be going out to thank all our special sponsors.
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