Hayes Valley Community Partners Celebrates its Fifth Season of Goodwill

By Richard Johnson

The Fifth Season of Fostering a Safe and Caring Holiday Season 2006 is upon us and we began the annual event with the recent 2nd Annual Safe Halloween in Hayes Valley. Community members of all ages had a choice of four locations to visit and each site offered different activities. This marks the second year we have opened our neighborhood parks and community centers to community members to enjoy face painting, story telling, free candy, playing games, hearing music and making s’mores under the stars. As with all the events that the Hayes Valley Community Partners (HVCP) sponsor throughout the year, the mission is to bring neighbors together to foster a safe and caring community for all.

The next scheduled event for the 2006 season is the Giving Voice to the Season Thanksgiving Dinner and Talent Show on Sunday November 19th starting at 10 am. The event was started by Pastor Gillette of the Valley Christian Fellowship of San Francisco several years ago and returns this year to the Church’s home at 738 Hayes. The day will start with a community dinner, church service and conclude with a talent show. As in the past two years, this is an event where HVCP joins with faith-based groups to bring our community together to give thanks. For more information contact Pastor Gillette at 863-8977.

The HVCP, of which HVNA is a partner, is a collaboration of community members, city departments, and non-profits. Our mission is to provide community events that bring neighbors together to foster a more safe and caring community. All through 2006 we held events ranging from a Black History event, Community Day at Koshland Park, monthly park cleanups, National Night Out. Members recently were involved in creating the John Muir PTA, participated in two John Muir Elementary School volunteer days, and just held the 2nd Annual Safe Halloween in Hayes Valley. To achieve our mission we strive to add both new partners and add to our yearly calendar of community events that lead to a better quality of live for all. This year we added the International High School, SF School Volunteers and the newly formed John Muir PTA.

Donations, which are tax deductible, are always appreciated. To make a donation, contact Richard Johnson at safety@hayesvalleysf.org.