CDFA SCIENTISTS “ADOPT” SACRAMENTO AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAM FOR HOLIDAYS AND DONATE MUCH-NEEDED SCHOOL SUPPLIES

Meadowview school one of several recipients of holiday goodwill from CDFA employees

SACRAMENTO – A team of scientists from CDFA’s Plant Pest Diagnostics Laboratory has presented a holiday gift of learning to a Sacramento after-school program: a large donation of crayons, paints, glue sticks, markers, games and other craft supplies.

The supplies were given to the CORAL (Communities Organizing Resources to Advance Learning) program at John Still Elementary School in the Meadowview area.

An employee of the lab, Nicole Martinez, has recently received her teaching credential and is searching for her first full-time job in the profession. In preparation for that, she also took a part-time job with the CORAL program at John Still School, where she recognized a shortage of funding for supplies and materials and enlisted scientists at the lab to establish a giving tree.

“Congratulations to our team at the Plant Pest Diagnostics Lab for showing us what holiday spirit is all about,” said CDFA Secretary A.G. Kawamura. “There are so many unique ways to help people in need, and these school supplies are a great way to help children.”

Other divisions at CDFA have also established giving trees and donation programs: to benefit organizations such as California Emergency Foodlink—which coordinated the California State Employees’ Food Drive—the Shriners Hospital for Children, Wind Youth Services, Toys for Tots, Women’s Empowerment—a Loaves and Fishes project—the Stanford Home for Children, and the Adventure Christian Church, which identified a family in need of holiday assistance. Also, a group of employees donated money to purchase calling cards for American troops stationed overseas.

“Our employees truly demonstrate the spirit of the season,” said Secretary Kawamura. “It is an honor and a privilege to serve California alongside such dedicated and generous people.”

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Media Contact: Steve Lyle, Office of Public Affairs (916) 654-0462                       slyle@cdfa.ca.gov 

The California Department of Food and Agriculture protects and promotes California’s $31.8 billion agricultural industry. California’s farmers and ranchers produce a safe, secure supply of food, fiber and shelter; marketed fairly for all Californians; and produced with responsible environmental stewardship.