One of the most cherished aspects of the winter holiday season—whether you celebrate the dominant Christian holidays, tolerate or avoid them altogether—is the renewed spirit of compassion. People grow more aware that for many times are hard, and it’s within everyone’s power to help others. And when we do so, it is part of our own flourishing.
Below are some ways to help around the Tri-City Area.
Giving Hope
Fremont’s Human Services Department provides several ways to help community members facing financial pressures during the holiday season. You can sponsor a wish list, make a financial or gift card donation, make a specific donation for older adults, or purchase items for a gift bag. www.fremont.gov/government/departments/human-services/give-back/giving-hope.
Davis Street Holiday Basket Program
Davis Street is working to provide 1,200 toy and food baskets to their clients, as well as San Leandro, Castro Valley, San Lorenzo, Ashland and Cherryland residents. You can donate directly to Davis Street, or purchase an item off their Amazon Wishlist. Donate at paybee.io/@davisstreet@14 or go to the Davis Street website davisstreet.org/.
Tri-Valley Haven Donation Drive
Donate an unopened wrapping paper roll or gift from Dec. 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 9 at Ashbury Church in Livermore from 10am – 4pm. Items should be new, non-violent, and non-breakable. A list of needed items is posted at trivalleyhaven.org/holiday-program-donations/.
Viola Blythe
Viola Blythe in Newark posts collection barrels for holiday donations of food and toys at various schools and businesses throughout the city. Donations will be accepted through Dec. 22. View the list of locations at www.violablythe.org/.
Adopt a Family
Newark’s League of Volunteers is looking for signups for their Adopt a Family program, where you can volunteer to help a particular family in need. Email Jenn Aquino for more information. je*********@lo*.org . www.lov.org
Toy and Canned Food Drive
District 1 Supervisor David Haubert is hosting a food and toy drive at Scott Haggerty Heritage House in Pleasanton. Drop off unwrapped toys and non-perishable foods from Dec. 1 – 11. Checks are also appreciated. A celebration will be held at the same location on Thursday, Dec. 12 from 6pm – 9pm (RSVP required) and donations may be made there. tinyurl.com/24FTDriveRSVP
TCV Toy Party
Tri-City Volunteers (TCV) will hold their annual toy party on Saturday, Dec. 14 at Niles Discovery Church, starting at 8am. The organization hopes to distribute toys to 600 families. Volunteers are needed to wrap toys, greet families and help parents shop for gifts. Email vo*******@tc*********.org , tcvfoodbank.org
