Random Acts board member Manny Watson volunteers at "The Lighthouse Mentoring Center" in Antioch. He requested a donation to purchase school supplies for the boys that he mentors. With the help of Random Acts, Manny was able to buy backpacks, dictionaries, notebooks, pencils, pens, rulers and other supplies that the boys will need during the school year.Jeff Painter of the "The Lighthouse Mentoring Center" gives more insight into the organization:
"The Lighthouse Mentoring Center" is a non-profit group home which houses and cares for the needs of adolescent boys from the ages of 6 to 18. Originating in April of 2000 the Lighthouse has been catering to the needs of dozens of young men who, many times through no fault of their own, have been separated from their biological families and have had to be placed in a group living situation. One of our main focuses is on education and helping youth to see the value of gaining a good education to prepare them for their future. Independent living skills are stressed and every effort is made by our staff to see that the boys have what they are going to need now and when they emancipate. We are devoted to "Lighting the Way to Our Children's Future" and our sincere thanks go to the Oakland Fire Department for their generous donation and in helping us to provide our boys with the educational tools to help them on their journey".If you would like to help "The Lighthouse Mentoring Center" you can e-mail Jeff at "pioman2414@comcast.net".
Firefighters from Station 5, 'B' shift, including Charles Lightfoot, Dwight Garcia, John Richardson and Cedric Price, delivered basketballs, yoga mats, school supplies, art & craft supplies, and board games to the Chappell Hayes Health Clinic at McClymonds High School.
On August 8, 2006, Station 20A responded to a two-alarm fire at 1142 - 72nd Avenue. Erika Juarez, her husband Alvaro Maldonado and their 3-month old baby lost all of their possessions, including their home in the fire. Erika and her baby suffered burn injuries and were treated at Saint Francis' Bothin Burn Center in San Francisco.
Random Acts received a request from the Alisa Ann Ruch Burn Foundation to assist this family in need, especially with food, clothing and diapers for the baby. Burn survivor Lily Palacios (third from right in photo) of AARBF who is assisting the family, informed Random Acts that the baby also needed a crib. Today, Jim Reis, Nick Sanz, Sherman Jones and Jim Haughy, the fire crew from Station 20A who responded to the fire, delivered a baby crib that they assembled, diapers, and two gift cards to Erika Juarez who has since relocated to 96th Avenue. The crew was more than happy to be able to assist this family after the fire as well as during. They immediately bonded with the baby who didn't even cry.
Oakland Firefighters rode with the Oakland Fire Random Acts Cycling Team in the "Bike Against the Odds" bike ride to raise money for The Breast Cancer Fund. The ride left from and returned to the Lake Merritt Bandstand in Oakland.
When they rode across the finish line, the cyclists were cheered on by the blaring music coming from the newly restored Van Pelt fire engine. Individually and as a team, the Oakland Fire Random Acts Cycling Team helped to raise a total of $1553 for The Breast Cancer Fund. The cyclists had fun riding for a great cause that has personally affected and touched so many. The OFRA Cycling Team wants to make this an annual Random Acts event and encourages other cyclists to join them next year.
Many, many thanks to all who participated.
Corlene Horan of Airline Ambassadors donated school kits to the school and newborn kits and other items to Mom Green.
Bakesale Betty donated $250 to Random Acts for the balls.
Firefighters from Station 4, 'B' shift, had fun tossing the playground balls out to the kids. At times it was difficult to tell who was having more fun - the Firefighters or the kids.
