Los Bomberos of Northern California23rd Annual Toy and Food ProgramAssist 500 Families

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San Jose CA - On Friday December 12, 2008, Los Bomberos of Northern California will be hosting its 23rd Annual “Bombero Holiday Toy and Food Program.” Hundreds of family and friends of Firefighters will wrap new toys for children of less fortunate families in Santa Clara County. This year’s program is projected to assist over 500 families. As in past years, the program is hosted by Los Bomberos of Northern California and supported by the San Jose Fire Department and San Jose Firefighters Local 230.

“Los Bomberos of Northern California”, was founded in 1972 by two Stanford Firefighters who wanted to promote the Latino culture within the fire service. The two original goals were to increase Latino representation in the fire service and provide guidance and support to those pursuing promotional opportunities. Today, they recognize their responsibility as role models and leaders in the community. As a result of this distinction, the goals of Los Bomberos have grown to include “Commitment to Community Service.” This commitment is reflected in the various events they have coordinated and supported over the last 35 years, which include:

· Annual Holiday Toy and Food Program
· Cesar Chavez Family Vision, March and Celebration
· Walk-a-thon for Latinas against Breast Cancer
· Earthquake Preparedness Programs
· Paint-a-Thon (Painting homes for the elderly)
· Firefighter Recruitment
· Bilingual Fire and Life Safety Education Programs
· Scholarships for Students Pursuing Higher Education
· CA State Fire Chiefs Assoc "Bombero Program"
· Training to Firefighters from Mexico, Central, and South America
· Development of National Bilingual Certification
· Leadership and Professional Development
· Mentorship and Role Model Programs
· Int’l Support of Construction of Homes and Churches

These are the types of initiatives that have sustained the organization for over 35 years, recently culminating with a special “Congressional Community Service Commendation” from the Congress of the United States, House of Representatives.

Posted by: Lizzetth Bellot, NAHF Consultant