Karate Kids Collect Canned Food for Halloween

[Susan Bitar]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

 

Contact:         

Mike Oliver, Lead Instructor/Owner

[e-mail]

Zen Martial Arts (ZenMartial.com)

916-678-0565

 

Zen Martial Arts Kids Ask for Treats and Canned Food on Halloween

 

Local martial artists and the Sacramento Food Bank team up \

to bring a trick-or-treat food drive

 

Sacramento, CA, September 27, 2011 – This Halloween be prepared for what karate kids from Zen Martial Arts in Sacramento will be asking for this year: treats AND canned food.  The students are teaming up with the Sacramento Food Bank and Family Services by staging a Trick-or-Treat Food Drive in local communities.

 

The idea for a trick-or-treat food drive came from Zen Martial Arts instructor, Mike Oliver.

 

“The martial arts have always been about kindness and compassion,” says Oliver, “Now we are taking those lessons out of the dojo (school) and into the world.”

 

“Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services is thankful that some of our youngest donors are thinking of others in our community on Halloween,” says Kelly Siefkin, director of communications at the food bank.  “Donations of non-perishable food times go a long way during the holiday season to help families in need.”

 

The kids will be dressed in their costumes like everyone else, but don’t worry; students will be practicing their leadership skills by asking residents directly for canned food item donation.

 

“These kids are as young as 3 years old so doing a project like this will do wonders for their self esteem and speaking skills,” says Oliver. “It’s good for the kids, and the community.”

 

All collected donations will be delivered to Zen Martial Arts at the Coloma Community Center for collection and delivery to Sacramento Food Bank and Family Services on Tuesday, November 1 and Wednesday, November 2.  The public is welcome to bring donations to the Coloma Community Center (4623 T Street, Sacramento) on those days.

 

About Zen Martial Arts Center

Zen Martial Arts is a karate school in Sacramento that is pioneering efforts in peace education, dietary self-defense, anger management, and experiential leadership training. The founding principle of the school is to take what we teach – respect, kindness, and compassion – “out of the dojo and into the world.”  All of our martial arts classes are separated by age and experience level and are taught in a safe and non-embarrassing environment.  To learn more about the programs offered at the center or to schedule a visit for you or your child, call 916-678-0565 or visit ZenMartial.com.

 

About Sacramento Food Bank and Family Services

Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services is a local, non-profit agency committed to serving individuals and families in need. With a staff of 35 and a volunteer force of over 4,000, Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services provides free emergency goods and services to nearly 20,000 unduplicated men, women and children each month. 

 

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