Fulfill Holiday Wishes for Bay Area Children

The summer months signal the first request for wishes from our 300+ partner agencies throughout the Bay Area. This is a crucial time for staff. For many, the holidays are a time to ask for things they want. However, as early as mid-summer, we at FGT see that wants and everyday essentials are one and the same for so many in the Bay Area. Our first recipient’s request exemplifies how the requests we receive are symbols of their everyday experiences: 

30 years ago, when our founder asked a 12-year-old boy what he wanted for the holidays. He asked in Spanish, “two pillows, please.” Unsure if she heard him correctly she asked again only to be met with the same response. What was later discovered was that this child lived in a multi-generational home where he and his siblings slept on the floor because housing was too expensive. He was asking for the pillows so his siblings could sleep comfortably each night. Not only did Family Giving Tree fulfill that request but was able to provide additional bedding for him and his siblings to have sweet dreams.

Think the holidays are over? Think again. The memories you helped create this past holiday season last throughout the year! So many of our recipients are touched by the fact that someone in the community cares about them. One such recipient’s story is relayed through the director of one of our partner agencies based in San Jose:

One of his clients; a family had just lost their grandmother near the holiday season. This was particularly difficult for them as she provided care to the children as the mother, who was in the process of rebuilding her life, went to work each day. The director felt especially sad for the eldest boy since he had a strong bond with his grandmother. As a result, the director decided to purchase an expensive race car set as a special treat in addition to the gift provided by Family Giving Tree. When the boy opened his two gifts over the break, much to the director’s surprise, it was the less expensive Nerf set specifically chosen by one of our donors that brought the greatest joy and hours of fun.

It’s not the price of the gift that matters; It’s the thought that counts for our recipients. Your donations at every level can bring holiday joy to those in need and brighten their world.