GIA gears up for its Holiday Gift Drive

For its annual Holiday Gift Drive this year, Gemological Institute of America (GIA) staff and students in Carlsbad have got together to donate toys, clothing, cosmetics and nearly $1,000 to two local charities.

The Institute collected nearly 1,000 items for Dress for Success San Diego, a nonprofit that provides a network of support, professional attire and development tools to help women achieve economic independence and thrive in work and in life. Among the items collected for the organization were professional attire, accessories and cosmetics. " These donations will brighten the holiday season and provide a confidence boost to our clients as they enter the workforce,” said Sylvia Evans-McKinney, founder and executive director of Dress for Success San Diego.

GIA also donated nearly 250 items for It’s All About the Kids®, a nonprofit foundation that supports local children’s charities, including playpens, learning toys and puzzles, stuffed animals and athletic gear. “With their help, we are able to surpass our goal of making the holidays bright for over 1,600 children this year,” said Angela Brannon-Baptiste, co-founder and president of the Board for It’s All About the Kids Foundation. GIA’s annual Holiday Gift Drive has supported local charities since 1996.