Cal Games 2003 Charity Donations

[Chris I]

This announcement is for any FIRST teams who are attending the 2003 WRRF California Robot Games next Saturday, September 20.

Team #254 wants to support one or two charities each year, and hopes that other teams attending the Cal Games may want to join us regarding one in particular. Our team is holding a "suit drive" in September to support Dress for Success® and other non-profit organizations throughout North America who provide low-income job seekers with interview-appropriate clothing. The drive, which expands its reach to communities in the United States and Canada with the help of Robert Half International, will be held September 15-26, 2003. Our drive will support two Bay Area non-profit agencies: Career Closet and A Miner Miracle, which benefit low-income women and men, respectively, entering the job market.

Suits and other professional clothing will be collected throughout the two-week period. All donations must be appropriate to wear to work, as well as clean, stylish and in good condition. Since many of these items will be placed immediately in the nonprofit agencies' boutiques for their clients, we ask that clothing donations are hung neatly on hangers. Items such as accessories (including handbags and jewelry) and shoes can be delivered in boxes or shopping bags.

If you are interested in donating, we will have a collection table (if not, then our pit area) at the Cal Games. It is a great cause, so if anyone on your team or at your school (parents, teachers, mentors, friends, etc.) is able to donate anything from the list below, we would be most grateful. We have detailed what each organization can accept. Please bring any donations to the Cal Games.

Career Closet (www.careercloset.org) welcomes the following new or nearly new items for women:
-Suits (pants or skirts)
-Blouses, shells, fine-gauge knit sweaters
-Blazers and jackets
-Shoes
-Handbags

A Miner Miracle (www.aminermiracle.org) will gladly accept the following new or nearly new items for men:
-Suits
-Khakis or equivalent, and slacks
-Sports jackets
-Polo-type shirts
-Sweaters
-Dress shirts
-Accessories (belts and ties)
-Shoes

We thank everyone in advance for any donations they are able to make.