We know that many people are enduring hardship and challenge in these times, and they deserve our support. It's so important during this difficult time that we come together and share and express our gratitude for the goodness in our lives.
Our Holiday Party will focus on both gratitude for what we have and on helping others. Science proves that practicing gratitude makes us smarter, healthier, more resilient and more empathetic. And helping others makes us feel good and improves the lives of those we help.
We'll start off our evening with each of us sharing what we are grateful for. I will then briefly talk about the progress we've made on important issues in Contra Costa County.
We'll also hear from Verde Elementary Principal Eric Acosta-Verprauskus about what his amazing teachers, staff, parents, volunteers and children did in 2020 and their goals for 2021.
Starting today, you can also make a check, cash or GoFundMe donation to benefit the children of Verde Elementary School.
This year, we'll buy new books for each student courtesy of West County READS. Last year, you helped provide books and also paint an amazing youth-designed mural in the school's cafeteria.
If you don't use the GoFundMe account, checks should be made payable to the non-profit "CHDC of North Richmond" c/o 2020 Verde School Drive. They can be mailed to my office at 11780 San Pablo Avenue, Suite D, El Cerrito, CA 94530
For the past 22 years, I've sponsored the Verde Elementary benefit drive. It's become one of my favorite holiday traditions.
