Thanks to the giving spirit exhibited by Starbucks in the Turlock area, many foster youth in our community have great memories of the 2011 holiday season. Starbucks lent their support to Aspiranet’s third annual holiday gift drive, helping us solicit and collect gifts for foster children and families in need during November and December.

Because of the generosity of Starbucks’ staff and their customers, we collected and distributed 3,400 gifts throughout California. Whether it was a young child snuggling with an oh-so-cool pillow pet or a teen cruising on a brand new skateboard, no words can express the joy that these gifts brought to our foster children and their families.

On behalf of the entire Aspiranet team, I’d like to thank Starbucks for setting such a shining example of selflessness and social responsibility. In 2012, we hope that those who helped at the holidays will consider taking their support one step further and investigate the possibility of fostering or adopting a child in need. Please visit us at www.aspiranetheroes.org for more information.

— Sharon Salaiz, district director Aspiranet Turlock