NFL Oakland Raider, Chimdi Chekwa, Host First Place For Youth Holiday Event

OAKLAND, Calif. - Nov. 21, 2013 - PRLog -- Oakland, CA – November 21, 2013- Oakland Raiders cornerback, Chimdi Chekwa, has joined First Place For Youth, a non-profit organization dedicated to serving former foster youth, to help make holiday wishes come true. Chekwa will be donating gifts and speaking to the organization at the First Place For Youth annual holiday event held on Thursday, Dec. 12 from 4 p.m. to 7p.m., at the Lake Merritt United Methodist Church located at 1330 Lakeshore Ave, Oakland, CA 94606.

The event provides a holiday experience for foster youth that consists of a holiday themed meal, entertainment, arts and crafts, along with gift donations from sponsors and the Oakland community. The youth will also be hosting a fashion and talent show for guests to enjoy, which involves Chekwa.

“[The] Holidays are a great time for families to come together and enjoy each other’s company, but because some people don’t have certain things, it can also be a time when you’re reminded of what you don’t have," said Chekwa. "I want to create some of the same feelings [for youth] that I experienced growing up during the holidays."

Contributions are greatly appreciated. Some of the items needed are gifts and raffle prizes for youth and children (i.e. toys for kids aged 0 - 8, electronics, household items, toiletries/hygiene supplies, gift cards, etc.).  Donation items can be dropped off at First Steps Community Resource Centerlocated at 1601 Telegraph AvenueOakland, CA 94612between the hours of 10a.m. to 6p.m., Monday through Friday.

About Chimdi Chekwa

Chimdi Chekwa is in his third season as a cornerback for the Oakland Raiders. Chekwa was drafted in the 4th round of the 2011 NFL draft. In addition to playing cornerback for the Raiders, Chekwa has been a huge contributor on special teams particularly in the gunner position. Off the field, this stellar cornerback is dedicated to being a positive influence for youth by dedicating himself to the community in his work & home locations. Chekwa is a proud alumnus of The Ohio State University, where he earned an accounting degree, while being a member of the football and track and field team.

About First Place For Youth

Founded in 1998, First Place for Youth was the first organization in Northern California to provide affordable housing and supportive services to former foster youth, and today is considered a national model for providing permanent housing for high risk youth. First Place works to ensure that all foster youth throughout the state of California have the opportunity to experience a safe, supported transition from foster care.  Each year, First Place serves over 2,300 youth throughout the state of California through its housing, employment and education programs.

For more information about the event and First Place For Youth contact Connie Handlin, First Place For Youth, at CHandlin@firstplaceforyouth.org or visit www.firstplaceforyouth.org. For Media inquiries for Chimdi Chekwa please contact Xia Coleman, Marketing and Public Relations, at XiaColeman@gmail.com or Melissa LaCorte, LaCorte Enterprises, at Melissa@LaCorteENT.com.