Office of Councilmember Chavez

For Immediate Release:
Tuesday, October 9, 2001

SJ Giving Program Promotes Dignity for Needy

Spirit of San José program encourages donating gift certificates
from local stores when giving to SJ non-profits

         Event:  San José City Councilmember Cindy Chavez and Mayor Ron Gonzales will launch an effort to promote charitable giving for the holidays and year round that maintains dignity for those in need.  This event will be immediately preceded by a luncheon for nearly 60 church leaders supporting the program.

                       The program, called the Spirit of San José, recommends giving gift certificates from local stores when donating to San José non-profit agencies.  Gift certificates are an excellent way to donate and they allow people in need to maintain their dignity by being able to purchase items they truly need or want.

         When:  Thursday, October 11, 2001 at 1:00 p.m.

       Where:   East Lawn of San José City Hall
801 North First Street, San José

           Who:  Councilmember Cindy Chavez, Mayor Ron Gonzales and local church leaders

   Background:  In years past, a number of people have driven past St. James Park in Downtown San José during the holidays and tossed out bags of clothes or left turkeys for homeless people who reside in or near the park.  While this gesture is a charitable one, it can be problematic for the recipients in that most homeless people do not have a place to cook a turkey, for example.

                           The Spirit of San José program encourages donations that are more useful to the people receiving them.  Councilmember Chavez, who represents the Downtown, and Mayor Ron Gonzales, in conjunction with local church leaders, are encouraging people to consider donating gift certificates purchased from San José merchants to local non-profits, where appropriate.  This is viewed as a more respectful form of giving and will enable those in need to maintain their dignity, while receiving charity.

                           Residents are encouraged to contact local non-profit organizations about the program, or the City of San José Customer Service Call Center, at

                           (408) 277-4000 or donate online at: www.phoenixdatacenter.org.

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San Jose City Hall      801 N. First St., San Jose,  CA 95110      tel (408) 277-5131  fax ( 408) 277-3131     www.ci.san-jose.ca.us