GRIDLEY, CA (MPG) - Although FOCUS has disbanded, the group’s members were determined to honor long-time member, Joan Brock, who passed away in December of 2021. 

FOCUS-Hands Helping Children was a non-profit children’s charity that served the communities of Biggs, Richvale, Gridley and Live Oak. While FOCUS was active, the many retired teachers who were part of the group gave books regularly to elementary students in the Gridley and Biggs area.

Donna Long spearheaded this community service project. This Honorary Gift, in remembrance of Brock, was supported by personal donations from past members of FOCUS. Fifty-one gift baskets were distributed on Valentine’s Day to residents of the Hovlid Community Center. Each basket contained warm socks, toiletries, hats, scarves, and candy.  Kathy McKenzie collected boxes of cookies that were gifted to residents of Hovlid along with the baskets.

The cookies and the memorial gift were a bright and loving contribution to the Hovlid residents on Valentine’s Day.  The former members of FOCUS are continuing the spirit of the organization with plans to hand out May Day baskets to Hovlid in the near future.