“Fostering a Safe and Caring Holiday Season 2005”

Written by Richard Johnson

The Hayes Valley Community Partners has already begun its 4th annual “Fostering a Safe and Caring Holiday Season.” Hayes Valley Community Partners, of which HVNA is a partner, is a collaboration of volunteers, community organizations, housing developments, police, the local business community, and city agencies.

Hayes Valley Community Partners use this event and its other activities throughout the year as building blocks that increase community involvement, expand leadership skills and bridge the intergenerational gap between youth and seniors. The lineup of events for this season began on Halloween and will continue throughout the month of December.

We kicked off our 2005 season with Halloween activities in our local neighborhood parks. This was our first year to create spaces where children, adults and families could come together to celebrate a safe and fun Halloween. The week before Halloween we hosted our 2nd Annual Halloween Poster Contest. All poster entries, including the winners, were on display at Gail & Jim’s home located at 700 Hayes.

Thanksgiving Dinner & Talent Show in November

The next planned event is the 2nd Annual “Giving Voice to the Season” Thanksgiving Dinner and talent show on Saturday November 19th, 2005. This year we have extended an invitation to other local faith-based groups to join us as we continue to build on the partnership formed last year with the Valley Christian Fellowship. Come join us as we gather as a community to enjoy food, conversation, and entertainment.

December will be full of activities for the community to enjoy. Plans for the month include the following activities: 15th Annual Hayes Valley Merchants Block Party, wreath/card making workshop, food and toy giveaway, and community luncheon for youth, adults, and seniors. Please refer to the back page calendar for all the dates and details of events.

Cash donations and volunteers are urgently needed. Please contact Richard Johnson at either 415-252-9644 or via email at safety@hayesvalleysf.org to obtain information on how you can make a tax-deductible donation and or volunteer.