Sunday, October 22, 2006

Lighthouse Mentoring Center

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".

Saturday, October 14, 2006

Wheelchair Regatta

Oakland Firefighters volunteer to help with the annual Wheelchair Regatta at Encinal Yacht Club in Alameda. Together with volunteers from the Coast Guard, Alameda County Sheriff, and Alameda Fire they help to carry Veterans on and off yachts and boats that will take them for a cruise on the Bay. For many of the hospitalized Veterans, it is a rare opportunity to escape the confines of institutionalized life.