VAN NUYS AIRPORT FLIGHT CREWS MEND HEARTS THIS VALENTINE'S DAY

            Van Nuys, CA, February 11, 2008 – Flight crews and employees at Van Nuys Airport are joining forces to mend hearts this Valentine’s Day by launching a collection drive for children, adults and families who are homeless. Sponsored by Clay Lacy Aviation, the “Caring Counts” collection drive encourages airport employees to donate travel-size personal hygiene items for distribution to local shelters.

            “We are calling upon the airport community to do its part to help the most impoverished members of our community receive basic human needs, “said Clay Lacy Aviation President Brian Kirkdoffer. “Pilots and flight crews, who routinely pack travel-size toiletry items, are the ideal target for this campaign. Through our efforts, we hope to demonstrate that even a small act of kindness can bring great comfort to individuals and families in need.”

            Items collected during the first month of the collection drive will benefit M.E.N.D. (Meet Each Need With Dignity), the San Fernando Valley’s largest nonprofit poverty agency, providing emergency food, clothing, health care and other services to almost 45,000 individuals per month. On February 26, M.E.N.D. will open a new shower program to provide bathing facilities, clean clothing and warm meals for the homeless. Other recipients include San Fernando Valley Rescue Mission, L.A. Family Housing, Children of the Night and The Downtown Women’s Center.

            “Unfortunately, the problem of poverty and homelessness in Southern California has grown substantially over the past three decades,” said M.E.N.D. Executive Director Marianne Haver Hill. “These donations will help provide individuals and families in crisis essential needs and a sense of dignity so they can begin to transform their lives.”

            Imprinted with the message, “Sometimes the Greatest Gifts Come in Travel-Size Packages,” flyers, posters and collection bins can be found throughout Van Nuys Airport’s major aviation companies and administrative offices. Soap, shampoo, conditioner, toothbrushes and toothpaste, dental floss, deodorant, hand and body lotion, brushes and combs, and disposable razors are among the items being collected. During the six-month campaign, organizers hope to enlist the support of dozens of smaller aviation companies located at the airfield, as well as area hotels and motels.

            The idea to raise donations was conceived by a career pilot at Clay Lacy Aviation who placed a homemade collection box in the briefing room for flight crews to provide unused soap, shampoo and conditioner to a local women’s shelter. This heartfelt gesture to help uplift lives evolved into an airport-wide campaign that challenges all pilots, flight crews and employees to show they care.

            Van Nuys Airport officials also are appealing to the public for help. “Valentine’s Day is a perfect time to provide gifts from the heart,” said Van Nuys Airport Manager Selena Birk. “We invite the local community to join us in bringing hope and a helping hand to those most in need.”

            Community members are invited to drop off donations at the Van Nuys FlyAway Bus Terminal lobby, 7610 Woodley Ave., Van Nuys (park in the free 30-minute passenger drop-off area) and at the M.E.N.D. Center, 10641 San Fernando Road, Pacoima.

            The “Caring Counts” collection drive is sponsored by Clay Lacy Aviation, the West Coast’s premier executive jet charter service, in partnership with Van Nuys Airport, Hawker-Beechcraft Services, Maguire Aviation, Pentastar and the Beverly Garland’s Holiday Inn Hotel. For more information on how you can help, contact Stacy Geere at (818) 434 -7633.