The Gemological Institute of America’s staff and students collected more than $8,000 in food, gifts, toys, cash, and other supplies to benefit the organization Voices for Children. 

The San Diego-based nonprofit group is devoted to helping abused, neglected, and abandoned children who have been removed from their homes and placed under the protection of juvenile court.

For the past 12 years, the Institute has organized the GIA Holiday Gift and Food Drive that benefits a local charity.

“Both the staff members and students at the GIA Headquarters in Carlsbad demonstrated great generosity and compassion through their charitable donations to support such a worthwhile cause,” said Carol Moffatt, manager of GIA Global Meetings and Events.

Since the GIA Holiday Gift and Food Drive started in 1996, it has given more than $61,000 in funds and supplies to a variety of community recipients and organizations.

“We are especially grateful to the GIA for this generous donation during this holiday season,” said Kim Penny, vice president of Marketing & Development for Voices for Children. “This contribution will provide these children with special gifts that will help them share in the holiday spirit. We are very appreciative of the GIA’s support of the foster children we serve.”

Caption: GIA Holiday Gift and Food Drive Committee presents donations and check to the Voices for Children organization. Source: GIA

JCK