Holiday Giving Opportunities

The holiday season is a great time to give back to the communities where we live and work. At the same time, it’s an opportunity to develop team spirit by finding activities where you can volunteer as a group.  Here are a few local organizations that have a strong tradition of helping those in need, plus opportunities for both monetary and volunteer contributions.

Second Harvest Food Bank needs help packing and sorting the food it collects and provides to people in need in the community. This makes a great team event. Your employees may also want to help with food distribution.

You can also help Second Harvest by setting up a food drive at your office. This year some major corporations are promising additional donations when certain targets are met in the food drive campaign.

Another great team activity is volunteering at the Family Giving Tree warehouse.  Volunteers may help in gift receiving or sorting, gift wrapping, quality check, gift distribution or warehouse clean up.

Your company can also help by participating in the Family Giving Tree’s Holiday Wish Drive.  You display “wish cards” in your lobby and other public areas.  Each wish card describes an age appropriate gift for a child in need. Employees select the wish cards and pledge to provide the new, unwrapped gift by the due date. This year the due date is December 13.

Family Support Services has many families who are in need of basics – warm clothes, shoes, etc.  Family Support Services of the Bay Area will provide a list of needs for each family member plus some suggested “dream wish” ideas.

In addition, many people on the East Coast affected by Hurricane Sandy need our help and support.  The American Red Cross response to Sandy is very large. Financial donations help the American Red Cross provide shelter, food, emotional support and other assistance to those affected by disasters like Hurricane Sandy.  Your company can hold a donation drive or gather food, clothing and other needed items to help the Redcross’ relief efforts.  To donate, visit www.redcross.org or call 1-800-RED-CROSS.

Please comment if you have additional organizations and contacts where we can help this year.   Happy Giving!!!