Volunteers needed for Stockton event aimed at providing presents

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PRESENTING PRESENTS: Children enjoy themselves at the Christmas presents distribution event at the San Joaquin County Fairgrounds. PHOTO COURTESY OF ANTOINETTE FOUTZ-CONTRERAS

Operation DreamKeeper, is an organization that raises money to provide gifts for needy childrens. Operation DreamKeeper is hosting a fundraiser dinner at 6 p.m. at the Valley Banquet Room, 4368 N. Sutter Street, on Nov. 15.

PRESENTING PRESENTS: Children enjoy themselves at the  Christmas presents distribution event at the San Joaquin County Fairgrounds. PHOTO COURTESY OF ANTOINETTE FOUTZ-CONTRERAS
PRESENTING PRESENTS: Children enjoy themselves at the
Christmas presents distribution event at the San Joaquin County Fairgrounds. PHOTO COURTESY OF ANTOINETTE FOUTZ-CONTRERAS

Tickets to the event can be purchased at the door for $16 dollars.

All proceeds go to purchase children’s gifts for, Dec. 20 distribution event.

Operation DreamKeeper has put on the largest Christmas celebration in Stockton for children in recent years.

This December event is for boys and girls, five through 10-years old, living in the Stockton area who are in need of a helping hand.

The average price of toys donated is $15 to $20, according to organizers.

“This is one of the only non-profits that 100 percent of all donation go straight to the program. Operation

Dreamkeeper serves 800 to 1,000 children each year,” said Antoinette Foutz-Contreras, Director of Operation DreamKeeper.

There are many families in need now in the city of Stockton.

Some family members have lost jobs, some have lost homes and others are just getting by.

“So it is our goal to provide the Christmas spirit to both the parents and the children. At our Christmas event we have the Lodi Choir, C.L.C. College performing Christmas carols, a live puppet show along with animated characters, to tell the story of Hope for tomorrow, Love for today, and Joy for the season. Each child receives Christmas snacks, a new Christmas gift, and receives smiles and kindness from all of Stockton’s community volunteers,” said Foutz-Contreras

Operation DreamKeeper also needs 150 volunteers this year.

Volunteers are needed to escort children to their seats, deliver presents and make sure there is always a safe and happy environment.

Volunteers are needed from 11:20 a.m. until 2 p.m. Volunteers must be 18-years old or older.

There will be a sign up in advance for the volunteers.

“I am an alumni of Delta College and it has been such a blessing to have the student, staff, and faculty be involved with our program. It is an honor to know not only are you interested in higher education, but our community as well. As you make your way through life you will find that one of the most rewarding thing that you do is to help those in need,” said Foutz-Contreras.

This distribution event will be held at the San Joaquin County Fair Grounds on Saturday, Dec. 20 at 12:30 p.m.

Monetary donations can also be made by sending a check to Good Samaritan Training Center/Operation DreamKeeper, 1957 Rosecrans Way, Stockton, 95207.

The organization also accepts donations on Delta Campus. Contact Marvin Jackson at (209) 954-5188 or mjackson@deltacollege.edu.

For more information on volunteering or questions, contact one of the following representatives: Christina Colman at (209) 271-2474, Rosie Robles at (209) 942-3751 or Antoinette Foutz-Contreras at (209) 981-8250.