Alameda, CA -- November 22, 2004 - Volunteers of America Bay Area will kick off its annual Operation Good Neighbor Holiday Food Basket program on Saturday, December 18th, to provide food baskets to seniors, disabled persons and disadvantaged families throughout the Bay Area during the holiday season. 

Now in its 19th year of providing one of the Bay Area's largest community outreach programs, Volunteers of America Bay Area's Operation Good Neighbor program raises the spirits of individuals and families during the holidays by giving food baskets to those who are alone, on fixed incomes, or unable to get assistance.  Community and social service organizations throughout Alameda, Contra Costa, San Francisco, San Mateo, Marin and Santa Clara counties provide referrals to Volunteers of America Bay Area and the number of baskets are allotted based on need.

"This event would not be possible without the continued support and generosity of countless individuals, businesses, and organizations in the Bay Area," said John R. Bailey, President/CEO, Volunteers of America Bay Area.

Businesses such as XPEDX paper products have donated over 2000 packaging boxes over the last several years.  Additional items such as trucking services and other products are also donated.

More than 300 volunteers are needed for a variety of tasks including administrative support, packaging and delivery of food baskets.  On assembly day, volunteers will meet at 7:00 a.m. at 1750 Harbor Bay Parkway to assemble more than 2000 food baskets for needy families.