The District of Columbia Water and Sewer Authority (DC Water) and the DC Department of Public Works (DPW) will kick off the 11th Annual Bread for the Soul Holiday Drive Monday, November 26, 2012. For over a decade, employees from both agencies have donated more than $40,000 for food and gifts for more than 1,000 District families affected by HIV and AIDS.

“The holiday season is a time for celebration, but it can be difficult to enjoy when you are experiencing financial hardships,” said DC Water General Manager George S. Hawkins. “Through Bread for the Soul, DC Water’s Team Blue members are able to contribute their time and resources to brighten the holidays of many District families affected by HIV and AIDS. Over the years, our team members have generously supported this charity drive by donating money and volunteering to collect and deliver gift baskets. We hope to increase our efforts to have a greater impact and to help even more families this year.”

From now through December 14, DC Water and DPW employees will be collecting toys, books and cash donations. Collection bins for gifts will be placed in designated locations at all DC Water and DPW facilities. Citizens may also bring new, unwrapped toys and books to the Martin Luther King, Jr. Library at 901 G Street, NW. All food baskets and gifts will be delivered to the families on Saturday, December 15, 2012.

“DPW looks forward to helping District families in need each holiday season,” said DPW Director William O. Howland, Jr. “The process of helping to organize the baskets and delivering them is a truly rewarding experience, which I enjoy each year. I hope the DPW family will be even more generous with its support and time this year as there are so many families who need our help.”

Bread for the Soul is a local nonprofit organization that delivers food baskets, books, toys and cash donations, during the holiday season, to families affected by HIV and AIDS. Last year, DC Water and DPW employees donated nearly $14,000 and provided gift baskets for approximately 200 families.

For more information, contact DC Water at (202) 787-2200 or DPW at (202) 673-6812.