Editor, Manteca Bulletin,
In Manteca Unified School District (MUSD) there are over 500 homeless, and 249 foster care students. We shared this information with the students in the Key Club at Be.tech high school, and they decided to organize a program entitled ‘Books, Bears and Blankets’.
Between March 1 and April 15, our BeTech Kiwanis Key Club students will be collecting new or gently used books, blankets, and stuffed animals to give to those students.  The premise of the program is to give children a book to entertain or take them to another place, a blanket to keep them warm, and a stuffed animal to cuddle and keep them company.  The packages will also contain hygiene supplies.  Additionally, we hope to get backpacks donated to package and deliver the items to these students.  These packages will be given to all aged children, Kindergarten through 12th grade.  United Way of San Joaquin has generously donated numerous stuffed Bears for our project.
We are asking for your help.  If you would be willing to donate any of the above mentioned items, that would be wonderful!  Your willingness to assist us in collecting items, or your donation of any of the aforementioned items would also be most appreciated.
All donations will be picked up by Carol Davis or someone from the Key Club, Students or advisors and put into individual packages that include all of the items; and donated to Manteca Unified School District Family Health Services Center to serve the foster and homeless youth in the Manteca, Lathrop, French Camp, and Weston Ranch (South Stockton) communities.
Please contact Carol Davis (209) 825-4282 (Key Club Advisor) with any questions or for a donation pick-up.   Thank you in advance.  Your contribution will make a positive, lasting impact, in the life of a child in need.  

Berkeley Torres
Abraham Trujillo
Publicity/Media Chair
Key Club Member