Employees from the DC Department of Public Works (DPW) and the DC Water and Sewer Authority (WASA) will again join forces for the 7th Annual Bread for the Soul toy and food drive. The campaign provided gift baskets to more than 80 families affected by HIV and AIDS, last year.
“Since 2002, WASA employees have provided assistance during the holiday season through Bread for the Soul. Each year, our employees generously donate their time and money to make this annual charity drive a huge success,” WASA General Manager Jerry N. Johnson said. “During these tough economic times, WASA employees are committed to working even harder to increase donations in order to provide relief to as many District families impacted by HIV and AIDS as possible.”
From now through December 18, 2008, WASA and DPW employees are collecting toys and cash donations. Collection bins for the toys and books have been placed in designated locations at all WASA and DPW facilities. Residents may also bring new, unwrapped toys and books to the Reeves Center at 2000 14th Street, NW. All food baskets and gifts will be delivered to the families on Saturday, December 20, 2008.
“I am really proud of the fact that we were able to raise thousands of dollars in donations for families who needed it most. We had lots of fun doing it together,” said DPW Director William O. Howland, Jr. “This year I’m asking even more DPW employees to get involved. Donate gifts, money, or your time so we can double our success of last year.”
Last year, WASA and DPW employees donated more than $6,000 and hundreds of toys and books. Through their combined efforts, over 80 families received food baskets and approximately 240 children were provided with gifts.
Bread for the Soul is an 18-year-old local nonprofit organization that delivers food baskets, books, toys and cash donations to families affected by HIV and AIDS during the holiday season.
If you would like to make a donation, please contact WASA’s Office of Public Affairs at (202) 787-2200 or the Office of the Director at DPW at (202) 673-6812.