OAKLAND – Assemblymember Mary Hayashi (D-Hayward) is hosting her fifth annual district holiday event and food drive, entitled “Jingle Tails,” at the Oakland Zoo’s Main Gates this Thursday, December 15th from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. located at 9777 Golf Links Road in Oakland. The event is free and open to the public. Guests will have an opportunity to discuss legislative issues, tour ZooLights themed to holiday music, and help end hunger in California by donating a non-perishable food item.
According to a United States Census Report recently released, the number of California children living in poverty has increased by 30 percent, due to the national recession. The Alameda County Community Food Bank figures show that one in six Alameda County residents rely on the donations provided by the food bank – roughly 50,000 people per week. Additionally, one in ten California households is at risk for hunger or experiences hunger. This represents nearly 2 million children statewide. Hunger impairs a child’s ability to focus on his/her lessons in school and hinders the ability to satisfactorily achieve core academic success.
Hunger is 100% preventable. Constituents can help by joining Assemblymember Mary Hayashi at the 5th Annual Jingle Tails Holiday Event and Food Drive at the Oakland Zoo, and by donating a can of tuna or a jar of peanut butter - two high protein food items with a long shelf life. Over the past four years, the Jingle Tails Event and Food Drive has raised over 2,000 pounds of food.
ZooLights is the largest LED light festival in Northern California. This larger-than-life light display mirrors the Oakland Zoo’s year-round animal residents. Children and adults will learn about energy efficiency while enjoying the blend of beauty and excitement that define the Oakland Zoo. More than 120 animal structures will be illuminated with festival lights orchestrated to holiday music.
Parking and admission are free by printing and bringing an invitation with you or by calling the District Office at (510) 583-8818 to RSVP.
Assemblymember Hayashi is the Chair of the Business, Professions, and Consumer Protection Committee and serves the 18th Assembly District, which includes San Leandro, Hayward, Dublin, most of Castro Valley and Pleasanton, and a portion of Oakland, as well as the unincorporated areas of Ashland, Cherryland, San Lorenzo and Sunol.
Contact: Christopher Parman, (510) 583-8818
