HOUSTON, Dec. 17, 2004 (PRIMEZONE) -- Beginning at 8:00 AM on Saturday, December 18th in Reliant Halls A and B in Reliant Park, 8400 Kirby Drive, (77054) ELVES & MORE founder, David L. Moore, expects nearly 1,000 volunteers to build 20,000 brand new bicycles and wrap 5,000 Treasure Boxes containing over 30,000 gifts. All will be delivered on Christmas Eve to 25,000 underprivileged children in over 40 Houston-area neighborhoods (Conroe to Galveston and from Pasadena to Katy and points in between).
ELVES & MORE, is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization dedicated to bringing hope to impoverished children. Its Christmas program has grown dramatically since its founding four years ago. Starting with 55 children in 2000, by 2002 the program grew to 1,150 youngsters. Last year 10,000 kids received gifts. This Christmas (2004), 25,000 underprivileged children will receive the surprise of their young lives, a visit from Santa and his Elves.
The per-child cost of each bike or Treasure Box is just over $40.00 or $1,050,000.00 for all the children in this year's Christmas program. The founder and Everyones Internet have provided over half the funds. Another major contributor, Houston Children's Charity, has added significantly to the total. An additional $325,000.00 is still needed to reach this year's goal. In an effort to bridge the shortage a Power Raffle has been designed to help raise the much needed additional funds. However, donations are the primary source.
In poor neighborhoods bicycles are basic transportation. It allows kids to participate in after-school events or go to the library. Bikes enable teens to take part-time jobs. "A bike can help a child dream of a different future and then take the first steps to achieve it. Bikes change lives," states Moore.
At least half of the 263,000 poor children in the Houston area receive little to nothing at all for Christmas. ELVES & MORE sends a clear message to these children that someone, somewhere, does care.
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