FREMONT, CA: This year Festival of Globe (FOG) and Fremont Hindu Temple led the initiative to spread the joy. Continuing the giving tradition and in the spirit of holidays, they organized a “Toy Drive” on Sunday December 20th to distribute toys to needy children including incarcerated youth and destitute kids.
Alameda county juvenile justice system has many such children in its system. There is a strong felt need to give a little bit of cheer and joy to these kids during the holiday season.
There was tremendous response to FOG’s appeal to community. Lots of boxes of toys were collected and delivered to the needy. The event was attended by many judges and other judicial dignitaries at Fremont Hindu Temple. From Alameda County Superior Court Judge Rhonda Burgess – Juvenile Court and Judge Charles Smiley – Juvenile Court effective Jan 1st, 2016 attended the event.
From Alameda County Probation Department, Chief LaDonna Harris and Assistant Chief Esa Ehmen-Krause graced the occasion. Toni Gardner who retired in 2014 from Board of State and Community Corrections (BSCC) and Stephen Gardner, Chief Deputy for Williamsburg County who was part of the Sheriff’s organized crime, attended the event.
Jusleen Khanuja, LaDonna Harris, Toni Gardner, Judge Charles Smiley,
Kamal Nair and Raj Joshi at Toy Drive
Assemblyman Kansen Chu, His wife Daisy Chu, Fremont Vice Mayor Lily Mei, Commissioner Kamal Nair, Senator Ramesh Deosaran, FOG team members Rajesh Verma, Manorama Joshi, Ritu Maheshwari, Kamal Sahaney, Manali Brambhatt and others were present at the event.
It was an effort make this holiday season a little more cheerful and put a smile on a few children who may not be as fortunate as others. It could make someone’s holidays bright and cheerful! Toys will be handed out to local charities in Bay area.
Dr Romesh Japra, Founder and Convener, FOG, said, “It is one of the finest moments where community comes together to support those who are disadvantaged. Thanks to all the donors of toys, blankets and other accessories for needy, destitute, incarcerated, juvenile and other disabled children.
As we enjoy and celebrate the holidays, there are many who are not fortunate enough. Strength of community is shown in supporting its most needy members.”
FOG has plans to do many more such events next year.
Ritu Maheshwari
India Post News Service
