Daniel Ruiz an eight year boy is the representative poster boy of our area.  He only wishes to thank all Letter Carriers for all the work they have done in the past and are willing to do in the future.  Daniel drew a  thank you picture (below right) especially for the Mail Carriers who are willing to help with funding MDA research that will end the dreaded disease that ails him.

During the monthly meeting of 14 December 2006 our NALC 421 Branch Letter Carriers met Daniel Ruiz and his family.  Our Branch after welcoming Daniel with the

"Letter Carrier Hoorah" voted to make him a honorary member of our branch.

Our Branch has committed to do MDA Street collections once more (TBA) April 2007.  If you may recall it was not allowed because of liabilities.  January 20,  2007 our MDA chapter is sponsoring a walk at North Star Mall.  Each participant is challenged to collect  at least $63 each through sponsorships for the walk named "Stride and Ride".  The director of MDA JoNeen Garcia said that the 77% of funds raised from our efforts goes to the clients.  Some of the things the money is spent on locally are items like wheel chairs, the repair of wheel chairs, Shots for clients and their care. 

Vice President Gilbert Abundis pointed out that in 1985 our branch was given an award for having raised $73,000 a record that has not be equaled since.  The top two stations that collected the most monies at that time were Beacon Hill and Los Jardines.   Carriers in 1985 were making almost 1/2 the wages Letter Carriers now make.  So the Challenge is on " LETS MAKE IT HAPPEN".