Starbucks Brightens Holidays for Riverside County Foster Children with Annual Toy Drive

Online, December 29, 2011 (Newswire.com) - Aspiranet, one of the largest nonprofit social service agencies in California, invites Riverside County residents to participate in its annual Starbucks Holiday Toy Drive to benefit children, siblings and teens in foster care.

Now through December 20, customers of Starbucks can take "gift wishes" from one of 15 Starbucks stores in Riverside County and return donated gifts to the store. A list of participating Starbucks locations can be found at: http://aspiranetheroes.org/giftdrive. Those unable to visit a Starbucks store can help fund a holiday party for foster children by making an online tax deductible donation at www.aspiranetheroes.org/giftdrive.

Now it its fourth year, the annual Starbucks toy drive builds a bridge between the generosity of the community and the holiday wishes of foster children. Last year, Starbucks customers donated more than 3,500 toys, allowing Aspiranet social workers to deliver age-appropriate gifts to thousands of children throughout the state.

"We encourage individuals, families and businesses, both large and small, to open their hearts at the holidays and help make a foster child's Christmas wish come true." said Vernon Brown, CEO of Aspiranet. "We are very grateful to Starbucks their generous support of Aspiranet and the children in our care."

Aspiranet, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) charity, supports foster children, siblings, families, and the community with 35 core programs offering specialized services through 44 satellite centers within California.
In 2010, it served more than 600 foster children throughout the state.

About Aspiranet
Founded more than 30 years ago as a six-bed group home for young boys in Moss Beach, CA, Aspiranet is one of the most diverse private social service agencies in California. With a statewide network of innovative services, Aspiranet has touched the lives of over 10,000 families and children since its founding.

Aspiranet's vision of bringing families together and helping foster children, siblings, and parents thrive is realized through more than 35 core programs and services in six areas of expertise - Family Services, Foster Care, Adoption, Education, Afterschool programs, and Community Partnerships. Information: www.aspiranet.org