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Emeritus college collecting coats for homeless
Board members of Emeritus College, an educational program of Diablo Valley College, are helping with a drive for warm coats that will be donated to the Fresh Start Center, a nonprofit group aiding the homeless.
Jo Mele, Emeritus College executive director, said, " So far we've had a very successful coat drive, and have donated 101 warm coats to Fresh Start in Walnut Creek. We also have 13 fur coats to deliver to Friends of the Mentally Retarded in San Francisco for crafts projects." The coat drive will continue until the end of the year.
"We're also collecting eyeglasses for a Lions Club," said Mele. Anyone caring to donate his or her spectacles or coats can drop them off between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., Mondays through Thursdays, at 1250 Arroyo Way, Walnut Creek, next door to the DMV. There's parking in the rear of the building.
In addition to aiding others, the 18-year-old group that Mele leads also is helping itself by accepting donations of old cars, trucks, recreation vehicles, planes, and boats. People interested in this type of gift can call 1-888-686-4483.
Emeritus College, with the help of mostly retired professors and instructors, is offering 80 classes this spring, plus special events. Its slogan: "No tests, no stress, no homework, no kidding." For a catalog, call 925-906-9105.