D.C. United hold holiday toy drive

WASHINGTON, D.C. - D.C. United today announced plans to hold a United Holiday Toy Drive benefiting Children's National Medical Center in Washington, DC. The drive is set to run from December 2nd through 13th and donations can be made either at tomorrow's United Equipment Sale in the Rose Room at RFK Stadium or at United's administrative offices (Gate A) during normal business hours. Those making donations will receive a free set of player cards signed by members of United's 2004 MLS Cup Championship team.


"Our organization prides itself in its ability to unify the community for a common cause this holiday season," said United Director of Community and Fan Relations Catherine Marquette. "D.C. United is pleased to provide, players, staff members and fans alike, the opportunity to give to those in need."


Children's National Medical Center will receive all toy donations, which will be distributed to patients for the holiday season. Children's Hospital is one of the premier pediatric care facilities in the nation. In addition to employing some of pediatric medicine's most accomplished and well known physicians, Children's Hospital also serves as the regional referral center for pediatric emergency trauma cases, as well as cancer, burn, neonatal and critical care.


The United Drives program has enjoyed a great deal of success during the 2004 season. In its fourth season of operation, United Drives has collected more than 2,000 items benefiting local non-profit organizations. In April, over 450 pieces of soccer equipment were donated to DC SCORES and the Latin American Youth Center, followed in May by a donation of more than 100 canned and non-perishable food items to Martha's Table and the Capital Area Food Bank. In addition to the many books collected at United Bank branches, fans brought more than 350 books to D.C. United matches for United for D.C.'s United Reads program in June. Nearly 100 new toys were collected for the Children's National Medical Center in July. And although United's two home matches in August were separated by a mere three days, more than 50 cell phones and accessories were collected for the Wireless Foundation's CALL to PROTECT® program. The club and United Bank combined to collect thousands of school supplies in September to benefit local elementary schools participating in the United Reads program. An October coat and clothing drive to benefit the Dinner Program for Homeless Women also netted substantial donations.


For more information on the United Drives for D.C. program or any of D.C. United's community relations initiatives, please contact Catherine Marquette at cmarquette@dcunited.com or 202-587-5443.