Contact: Chelsea Fink, Chelsea.Fink@seiu1021.org, (510) 435-8282

OAKLAND, CA – On Friday, December 1, Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao and Assemblymember Mia Bonta will join members and leaders of SEIU Local 1021, SEIU Local 2015, Hayward Unified School District, Oakland Firefighters IAFF Local 55, IFPTE Local 21, the YMCA Head Start, and Parent Voices of Oakland and more for the annual holiday toy and coat drive kickoff.

This is the fifth year SEIU Local 1021, Northern California’s largest public employee union, will host a toy and coat drive for families in need, and the second year SEIU 1021 and Mayor Sheng Thao have partnered in their efforts. The Mayor’s office has also been holding its own successful toy drive for the past 44 years.

Over the past four years, the annual SEIU 1021 toy drive has distributed over 10,000 toys to families. But during these challenging times, we’re doubling our efforts and filling two buses donated by Hayward Unified School District to spread even more holiday cheer to children in underserved communities.

What: Holiday toy and coat drive for children in need kickoff event

When: Friday, December 1, 2023 at 9:30 a.m.

Where: SEIU 1021 Headquarters Parking Lot, 100 Oak Street, Oakland 94607

Visuals: Two school buses decorated as giant reindeer, holiday music, participants in holiday-themed outfits and holding signs with holiday messages, community leaders at a podium sharing remarks.

There are several ways to contribute this year. New toy and coat donations can be dropped off at the SEIU 1021 Oakland Union Hall, 100 Oak Street, from December 1 through 15 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily. There is also a registry at Macy’s for kids’ coats, which will have the coats delivered directly to the union office.

All the toys and coats collected will be distributed on Tuesday, Dec. 19, during the Giveaway Event from noon to 6:00 p.m. at 100 Oak Street.