Urban Mentors

Right after college, I did a year-long stint with Mission Year in Oakland, CA.  That 'one year' turned into 5 wonderful, challenging, memorable years.  The only reason I would have considered leaving is because I got a job offer in Kenya.  One of the best things to come out of my five years there, is a friendship with Jaime, a fellow Mission Year member.

Jaime is STILL in Oakland, (13 years later) and has started a non-profit called Urban Mentors Network which reaches out to children and families in East Oakland. Each week there are groups for children to come together for a meal, fun, and a little 'lesson' or activity.  Jaime tries hard to involve parents or other caregivers, believing that by building the family, you build a stronger community.

Each year, since her Mission Year team did it 13 years ago, Jaime hosts a Christmas Party for kids and families in the East Oakland community.  Last year, 300 people came!  She works all year to gather gifts and supplies, getting the youth involved in planning and organizing the party.  At the end of November she had over $2,000 worth of supplies in storage for this year's party on December 14.

And last week, it was all stolen from her storage unit.

Read about it here, or better, watch the news clip!

With two weeks til the party, this is a HUGE blow.  Getting the supplies and toys and gifts needed to make this a success in such a short time.  Here's where I hope you might be able to help.

You could go to the Urban Mentor's Amazon Wish List  and pick something from that list and have it shipped to her.

You could go to to Target, Subway, Panera Bread, or Starbucks, or some other place and pick up a gift card (of any amount) and mail it to her.

Or you can send a direct donation through the Urban Mentors page (link above) via Pay Pal.

I know at this time of year there are 100s of worthy places to send your money.  But I promise you, a little will go a LONG way to helping bring joy, and fun, and perhaps a gift to the children of East Oakland.

Should you choose to send something her way, the address is:

Urban Mentors Network
1975 Seminary Avenue
Oakland CA 94621

Thank you!!