04 Dec East County Groups Gear Up for Holiday Drives

The California State Capitol is reflected in a silver ornament in a Christmas tree in downtown Sacramento on Dec. 23, 2021. (Florence Low / California Department of Water Resources via Bay City News)

By Aly Brown
Bay City News

With the holidays around the corner, many are preparing their lists, checking them twice and asking the underprivileged to register next week.

In East Contra Costa County, struggling families can find support in the form of food and gifts for their little ones from community-based organizations and government agencies alike.

ANTIOCH

The Antioch Police Department is hosting its annual holiday giveaway for Antioch residents on Dec. 17, from 9 a.m. to noon, at 300 L Street.

Food vouchers will be given to the first 150 families (bring proof of residency). If participants wish to receive gifts for their children (under 17 years old), they are asked to RSVP in person at the Police Department on Tuesday either from 9 to 11 a.m. or 5 to 7 p.m.

APD utilized the momentum of Giving Tuesday this week to help raise funds for this drive. Giving Tuesday is an internationally recognized day to contribute to charitable organizations and causes.

More information can be found at https://www.facebook.com/AntiochPolice.

BRENTWOOD

The Brentwood Regional Community Chest hosts an annual holiday drive, providing food and presents for up to 500 families from Brentwood, Byron, Discovery Bay and Knightsen.

Food and toys will be distributed to families on Dec. 16, from 7:30 a.m. to noon at Brentwood Elementary School on 200 Griffith Lane. Those in need of services have one last registration opportunity this Monday at 5-6 p.m. at the Brentwood Senior Center on 193 Griffith Lane.

Founded by Rose Pierce more than 50 years ago, the BRCC was originally called the Delta East Coalition, which collected money and food for underprivileged families throughout the county. Since Pierce’s passing in 2006, volunteers hold a moment of silence in her honor on packing night, the Friday when all of the food and gift donations are prepared for recipients to pick up the next day.

BRCC co-president Dana Eaton said the Community Chest program is a long-standing tradition in Brentwood.

“We are so fortunate to have so many businesses, organizations and individuals in our community who make sure we support our neediest local families,” Eaton said.

More information can be found at http://www.brcchest.org.

OAKLEY/BETHEL ISLAND

While the last day to register to receive food and toys through the Friends of Oakley’s Basket Program has passed, donations are still being collected to support the cause.

This event serves Oakley and Bethel Island residents with baskets of food and toys. This year, it will be held on Dec. 17 at O’Hara Park Middle School.

All contributions can be dropped off at Les Schwab Tire, 89 Carol Lane, in Oakley.

More information can be found at https://friendsofoakley.wordpress.com.

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