PRESS ROOM

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
CONTACT: Joni Bishop, Director of Development, BEBASHI, 215-769-3561

Help BEBASHI make the holiday brighter for
children infected and affected by HIV/AIDS
BEBASHI'S ANNUAL CHILDREN'S HOLIDAY GIFT DRIVE

Philadelphia - BEBASHI is accepting donations of new unwrapped toys for its 2004 Children's Holiday Gift Drive, until December 15th. Our 2003 Drive served over 150 children between the ages of 6 months and 17 years, who are infected with or affected by HIV/AIDS. All donations are tax deductible-a receipt will be provided.

BEBASHI was founded in 1985, in response to the alarming increase of HIV/AIDS in the African American community of Philadelphia. BEBASHI provides street outreach, HIV, STD and pregnancy testing and counseling, Prevention Education, Case Management, Housing Counseling, Care Outreach, Support Groups, Food Cupboard, and have developed culturally-appropriate models of sexual health education which have been used as models for similar programs throughout the nation. We serve 15,000 annually and all of our services are free of charge. In fact, next year we will be celebrating our 20th Anniversary as the first minority based AIDS service organization in the United States! Our mission is to provide culturally sensitive health related information, direct service, research, and technical assistance to the urban community.

Located at 1217 Spring Garden Street First Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19123
215-769-3561 www.bebashi.org

Donation Drop off hours: Mon, Tues, Wed, Fri-8:30 am - 4:30 pm; Thurs. 8:30 am - 7:30 pm

Other upcoming events in December - BEBASHI will hold its 8th Annual John Allen Blue Award event, on Thursday, December 2nd, honoring Estelle B. Richman and Dr. Helene D. Gayle. This event, also commemorating World AIDS Day, will be held at the Wyndham Franklin Plaza from 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm.

For more information, please contact: Joni Bishop, Director of Development, by calling 215-769-3561 x 140.