Rubicon Programs will distribute hot meals and toys to approximately 200 program participants and their families on Saturday, December 18 and Tuesday, December 21, 2021 at four of its East Bay locations. This marks the 12th year that the organization has provided gifts and food as part of a winter holiday celebration.

Rubicon’s Chief Program Officer Donté Blue says the giveaway events are a reminder to community members that they matter. “Since the beginning of time, sharing a warm meal has symbolized caring for another’s well-being in the same way a holiday toy brings joy – because someone cared enough to think about you,” Blue says. “We want our participants to know Rubicon is thinking about them and their well-being during this holiday season.”

A group of nearly 20 people across the sites, comprised of Rubicon employees and Participant Advisory Board members, will be on hand to distribute the toys and meals. Due to COVID-19 safety concerns at last year’s event, meals were not provided at the toy distribution, making this year’s festivities a welcome return to tradition for both Rubicon staff and participants.

Director of Community Based Programs Rhody McCoy looks forward to interacting with participants and their families at these events each year. “Rubicon considers the community we work in family,” McCoy says. “We are pleased and honored to be able to invite people to our sites, host these special events and participate in each family's holiday celebration and share the joy!”

Ron Thomas, Site Manager for Rubicon’s Concord location, secured the toys through the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation’s local campaign in Concord, CA, known for its annual collection and distribution of toys during the holiday season. In total, Rubicon distributes 400-500 toys each year in partnership with the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation and Centerforce, which receives additional donations through community churches.

“Every child needs a village. Rubicon is that village for families in the community,” Thomas says.

Participants who are enrolled in Rubicon’s programs have already received their invitations to the events. The food and toy distributions will take place at the following locations and times:

Saturday, December 18, 2021, 12:00 – 2:00 pm, Reentry Success Center

Tuesday, December 21, 2021, 4:30 – 6:00 pm Rubicon Antioch, Richmond, and Concord locations