A Time to Give Back By Carol roBinson Photos by Sonia Rivas Some 8 years ago, Mack Robinson and his family owned a retail tire business on Rumrill. They put out food at their business for the holidays for the homeless that lived under a bridge nearby and frequently walked in the neighborhood. Mack’s mother, Vickie Robinson thought that surely they would appreciate a hot meal on Christmas Day, so the family supplied a meal for anyone in the area back in 2007. This began a family tradition, until the business was sold in 2013. However, The City of San Pablo, San Pablo Rotary and many merchants jumped in to help serve meals at Davis Park on Christmas Day to continue the tradition that the Robinson’s started. In addition, the City Council of San Pablo approved free use of the community hall and the Adopt-a-Family committee handed out blankets, gloves and neck scarves at the event which made for a wonderful Christmas season for many that were homeless. This past year, many of the other local businesses gave back to the community as well. Walmart gave the local Rotary club a grant to offer bicycles to children and adults. El Sobrante Cyclery also donated a child’s bicycle, Dentists, William Van Dyk and Raynato Castro provided toothbrushes and tooth paste for all, Nations Restaurant gave pies for the 250+ attendees. The Adopt-a-Family donated coats numbered 80 again this past year for adults and children that needed them. In addition, the Albany and Berkeley Rotary Clubs were happy to donate funds for children’s gifts and food and to serve meals in our area. What a wonderful community we live in. Lastly and most inspirationally Kathy Chao, San Pablo’s first Laotian and newly inaugurated Mayor, welcomed the room, handed out her business cards and encouraged all to call her with their personal needs. As folks left the park with full tummies, gifts and some with bicycles it occurred to those volunteering, what a wonderful day to celebrate community pride, give back for the abundance they had enjoyed and what to do to make 2015 even better. If you are willing to participate in planning for next Christmas, let us hear from you by writing the San Pablo Rotary at P.O. Box 6222, San Pablo, CA 94806. The Rotary is currently looking for nurses for consultation, more warm coats to give out and adult bicycles for the 2015 event in addition to more volunteers. DINERS MAyOR KATHy CHAO AND DINERS OH WHAT FuN IT IS TO SERVE THE VICKIE ROBINSON FAMILy, SOME MEMBERS FROM FLORIDA CAME TO SERVE
Contra Costa Marketplace - Mar 2015
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