Change for FiveHundred

Breaking Chains. Building Opportunity.

Founded in 2017, Change for FiveHundred serves youth and families in Richmond, North Richmond, West Contra Costa County, Oakland and surrounding Bay Area communities. Breaking Chains While Creating Change means connecting people with practical resources, encouragement and opportunities to move forward.

We bring neighbors, volunteers, schools, local businesses and community organizations together. Backpack and school-supply giveaways help families prepare for the school year. Holiday outreach connects children and teens with gifts and essentials. Our Roosevelt athletics project focuses on the spaces and equipment young people need for strength, wellness and team development.

How change happens: we identify a community need, coordinate with the people closest to it, seek donations and partners, and organize support to turn an idea into action. You can take part by donating useful items, volunteering your time, sponsoring a specific need or introducing a community partner.

Help Build Something That Lasts

Roosevelt Student-Athlete Strength & Wellness Center

Change for FiveHundred is supporting Roosevelt Middle School Athletics in Oakland through fundraising, sponsor outreach and resource development with Coach JB (Jason Brown), Athletic Director & Case Manager, and Ms. Toumi. The proposed Strength & Wellness Center project aims to improve the spaces student-athletes use to train, prepare and build healthy habits.

Our priorities. Cheer uniforms and equipment come first, followed by winter equipment for girls’ and boys’ basketball and soccer, then fall sports needs. We are also developing support for spring lacrosse, boys’ volleyball and track & field.

Facilities and training. Needs include youth-appropriate strength and wellness equipment, repairs to damaged areas of the gym floor, a portable full-court volleyball practice system with bases, poles, net, antennas and padding, training aids, and organized equipment storage. The gym already has volleyball court lines.

How a partner can help. Donate or sponsor an equipment package, contribute materials or skilled services, offer no-cost mentoring or clinics, or connect us with a potential supporter. Equipment suitability, school coordination and required approvals guide what can be accepted and installed. These projects are in development; contributions and partnerships will help move them forward.

Give a Child a Brighter Holiday

2026 Holiday Toy Giveaway

Saturday, December 19, 2026 · 11:00 AM–4:00 PM

Shields-Reid Community Center · North Richmond

Change for FiveHundred, in partnership with Shields-Reid Community Center, is preparing a free holiday event for children and teens ages 0–17. Our goal is to serve up to 500 youth from North Richmond, Richmond, West Contra Costa County and surrounding communities. Plans include an indoor toy giveaway, a teen station and outdoor community-resource tables.

For families. Each child needs an Eventbrite ticket and must attend the event. After reserving tickets, complete the family Google registration form; multiple children may be included on one form. Guardians must bring documentation establishing guardianship. Registration helps us plan; gifts depend on available donations, inventory and event capacity.

For donors and collection hosts. Donate new, unwrapped toys, teen gifts and gift cards, books, sports items, STEM or art kits, backpacks and headphones. Businesses and community groups can host a secure collection box, organize a toy drive, share campaign materials or sponsor a specific need. Contact C4F to confirm your location and arrange collection dates, box delivery and pickup. Please do not donate used or opened toys, damaged or recalled items, realistic toy weapons, expired food, alcohol, tobacco or unsealed hygiene products.

For volunteers and resource partners. Help sort donations, prepare materials, set up the event or support families. Contact us to discuss an outdoor resource table, food and refreshments, printing, signage or event-day support.

Ready to help? Contact Marcus Byrd-Ray Sr., Founder & Executive Director, at change4fivehundred@gmail.com or 209-998-0872. Nonprofit verification and IRS documentation are available on request.