November 29, 2011 > Viola Blythe Center needs help Viola Blythe Center needs help Submitted By Debbie Caravalho The Viola Blythe Center is reaching out to the Community for help. Last year we served a record high of over 10,600 people this year and the numbers are still climbing. We are exhausting our donations quickly. Our small non-profit agency will attempt to provide a food basket for the holidays for 2,500 to 3,000 people. We are in need fresh items such as meat, potatoes, fruit, onions, tomato sauce, white rice and pinto beans. Another big challenge for the Center will be to provide a new toy to over 2,000 children. We lost one of our biggest toy donations this year. The Firefighters in Newark used to take time out of their busy schedules to stand in front of the Toys-R-Us store and gather several hundred toys for the Center. The store has relocated out of Newark. Concerned about this dilemma, Firefighter Ernie Morua contacted the Viola Blythe Center to say his sons that attend St. Edwards School are organizing a toy drive. The Drive will be held Sat. Dec. 10th at the St. Edwards School Parish Hall (5788 Thornton Ave. Newark, Ca.), toys can be dropped off between 9-12 p.m. The Fire Engine will be on site for the children to enjoy. Any questions or concerns please contact Debbie Caravalho, Executive Director at (510) 794-3437.