Brentwood residents and Loma Vista Elementary fourth-graders Devon Cardoza and Jason Tastard made the recent holidays brighter for children in need. The entrepreneurial 9-year-olds took a school project to the next level, setting up a business to sell mistletoe at The Streets of Brentwood to raise money for Toys for Tots, the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves program dedicated to providing toys for those less fortunate during the holiday season.

“Devon reached out to me, asking permission to sell mistletoe on site to raise funds for Toys for Tots at The Streets of Brentwood,” said Steve Barnhouse, vice president of property operations at The Streets of Brentwood. “And I was so impressed by his organization, presentation and professionalism, of course I said yes. He had thought out all the details, provided me with a flyer, hours of operation and even a photo of the boys with their table display – and he is only 9 years old.”

Devon sourced the mistletoe from his grandparents’ house in Clayton. Devon and Jason set up shop near the Brentwood Holiday Ice skating rink, selling mistletoe under their business name DJ’s Mistletoe the two weekends preceding Christmas. The boys made $160, which they took to Target and shopped for toys.

“We picked out things we enjoy playing with, so I know the kids we gave them to will like them too,” said Devon, who visited a local children’s shelter to donate the toys on Christmas Eve. “I felt so happy helping kids that didn’t have very much.”

“Devon decided to take a simple fourth-grade school project to the next level to really make a difference,” said Heather Cardoza, Devon’s mother. “Not only did he create the business name, business cards, flyers, and choose the location, he even came up with his own slogan: ‘If you want a kiss, then … buy this!’ The boys really did this all on their own– true entrepreneurs with big hearts.”

For more information call 925-516-8500 or visit www.shopstreetsofbrentwood.com.