Facebook & Other Silicon Valley Partners Make the Holidays Bright for JobTrain's Kids

MENLO PARK, Calif., Dec. 15, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Santa and his helpers will pay an early visit to JobTrain, located at 1200 O'Brien Drive, Menlo Park, on December 20, 2011 – and distribute gifts to needy kids whose parents are pursuing vocational training at JobTrain. Hundreds of gifts and toys will be distributed to disadvantaged families. Children whose parents cannot afford the added expense of the holidays will now have an actual Christmas filled with toys, holiday cheer and great food. Their holiday will be made memorable thanks to community partners and JobTrain's Board of Directors.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20111018/DC88783LOGO)

For nearly half a century, JobTrain has provided free vocational training and job placement services to over 160,000 unemployed and underemployed Bay Area residents. JobTrain believes that the best social service program in the world is a job. And on December 20th, JobTrain will do even MORE for its students by transforming the organization into a beautiful Winter Wonderland for children who'd otherwise have a barren holiday – no Christmas tree – no gifts – no holiday festivities.

JobTrain's corporate partners are an integral part of Winter Wonderland and make the event possible. TE Connectivity adopted 90% of JobTrain's children. Facebook will be onsite, working as elves and distributing gifts to the children. East Palo Alto Mayor Laura Martinez will also be at JobTrain with local dignitaries. Single Stop USA, Stanford University Athletics, IKEA, Hewlett-Packard and Crescent Alliance Group contributed financial resources and provided in-kind donations as well. JobTrain's Board of Directors – work in conjunction with corporate partners to grant holiday wishes for JobTrain's needy children.

About JobTrain
JobTrain transforms lives and communities in Silicon Valley. Since 1965, we've helped more than 160,000 men and women in the Valley reclaim the lives from welfare, incarceration and unemployment by preparing them for successful careers in high-demand and emerging fields. JobTrain, formerly OICW, transforms personal motivation into real skills that are the foundation for self-sufficiency and self-esteem. In addition to "vocational" training," we understand that fundamental and sustainable transformations require a high school diploma, computer literacy, one-on-one counseling, as well as access to basics like housing, transportation and childcare – and we assist our clients with all of these needs. In a rough economy, JobTrain places 75% of its graduates in quality jobs. Each individual success story proves that – with time, commitment and resources – powerful transformations do happen.

SOURCE JobTrain