Holiday giving 2017: How you can help children, needy families

Nov. 15--Area food banks and social service agencies are collecting donations to help the needy through the Christmas and New Year's holidays. Here's how you can help:

Santa Clara County

Asian Americans for Community Involvement: is accepting new and unwrapped gifts for low-income families served by our domestic violence and human trafficking program, Asian Women's Home through Dec. 15. We are seeking $50Target gift cards, non-violent toys, activity sets, board games, athletic equipment, and more. Monetary donations are also welcome. Our full holiday wish list is available online at dv.aaci.org. If you have any questions, contact 408-975-2730, extension 171.

Alum Rock Counseling Center: is hosting its Annual Toy Giveaway & Holiday Celebration for about 700 under-served children (ages 0-19) from East/Central San Jose, who otherwise might not receive a holiday gift. Items needed include: toys (especially for teens), wrapping paper, tape, ribbons/bows, baskets, bottled water, cookies, candy, or other holiday snacks. Toy and item donations will be accepted at ARCC, 1245 E. Santa Clara St., San Jose until Dec. 20. Don't have time to shop? Monetary gifts are also welcome -- you can donate online at https://donatenow.networkforgood.org/102756. Contact Alma at 408-240-0070, extension 311, or development@alumrockcc.org.

Bill Wilson Center: provides counseling, education and housing for homeless youth in Santa Clara County. BWC's Adopt-A-Family program fulfills holiday wishes of more than 1,600 of the neediest youth and families selected by the County Department of Family and Children's Services. These families have cases with the DFCS due to abuse or neglect; our goal is to provide a bit of extra joy during the holiday season. BWC needs gift cards (Walmart, Target, etc.). These youth rarely get the opportunity to buy something new and the parents (biological and foster) rarely get to buy something special for themselves.The organization is at 3490 The Alameda, Santa Clara. 408-243-0222, www.billwilsoncenter.org.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Silicon Valley: offers out-of-school enrichment programs for more than 3,000 at-risk youth, ages 6-18 years, at 12 locations throughout Santa Clara County. We are always in need of school, supplies, art supplies and board games. Also needed are gift cards for teens (Target, Safeway). Monetary donations for school uniforms and computers are greatly needed and appreciated. Donations can be dropped off at 518 Valley Way, Milpitas, CA 95035, from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday. Volunteers are also always needed. Contact Alethia Ruiz at alethia@bgclub.org; website bgclub.org.

Catholic Charities of Santa Clara County: serves 38,000 children and adults of all cultures and beliefs through 34 programs at 80 locations throughout Santa Clara County. Ways to give to our clients at the holidays and year round: cash donations toward rental assistance; gift cards for youth and families struggling to get by; bus passes for transportation to school and work; winter jackets/sweaters for children and adults; cozy blankets for seniors. Items should be new and unwrapped please. To donate, call (408) 325-5125 or email lpippin@ CatholicCharitiessSCC.org. Catholic Charities is located at 2625 Zanker Road, San Jose. Learn more atwww.catholiccharitiesscc.org.

Child Advocates of Silicon Valley: recruits, trains and supports community volunteers to serve as Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASAs) to children in the Santa Clara County dependency system. CASAs provides critical emotional and educational support to foster children, ensuring that their needs are met, and their voice is heard in dependency hearings. We are seeking gift cards for teens (Kohl's, Target, and Walgreens) and new toys for children of all ages. Monetary contributions are always appreciated. Donations can be brought to Child Advocates, 509 Valley Way, Milpitas, CA 95035, from 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday. For volunteer opportunities, visit www.BeMyAdvocate.org.

Cityteam: is helping thousands of low-income families in need this holiday season with food boxes, meals, coats, and Christmas toys. Bring your canned food, unwrapped toys, new or gentle used coats, winter scarfs, hats and gloves to Cityteam Community Services, 1297 N. 13th St., San Jose from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays). We are always in need of volunteers to help us serve 650 meals each day. To volunteer, visit www.cityteam.org/volunteer or call 408-232-5600.

Community Solutions' Holiday Giving Program: provides gifts and necessities to low-income families for the holidays. We currently need grocery cards, gift cards, diapers (especially large sizes), warm blankets, socks (all sizes), baby items (new bottles, teethers, etc.), chunky baby books, sweat shirts (especially men's sizes), and cleaning supplies (laundry soap, bathroom cleaner, etc.). As these are gifts, we are requesting new, unused items only. For information on how to donate, contact Paige Day at 408-846-4713 orpaige.day@communitysolutions.org or go to communitysolutions.org. Community Solutions is a comprehensive non-profit human services agency serving children, families and individuals in South Santa Clara County and surrounding areas.

ConXión to Community: a community-based, non-profit which provides education, workforce, behavioral health and other services to disconnected youth and adults since 1977. Its important to remember older youth during the holiday season. Youth, ages 13-18, are often overlooked; yet they are still children and should be given the same pleasures as younger youth. Help a teenager smile. Donating toiletries, socks, gloves, scarfs, gift cards, movie passes. Something so simple can change the life of a youth-being remembered. 749 Story Road Suite 10, San Jose, 95122-2600 or call 408-213-0961, extension 23. and ask for Lori.

Downtown Streets Team (DST): builds teams that restore dignity, inspire hope, and provide a pathway to recover from homelessness. The volunteer Work-Experience Program provides homeless and at-risk Team Members an opportunity to beautify their community in exchange for case management, employment services, and a basic needs stipend. To date, DST has found over 1,400 homes and jobs for people who used to live on the streets. Monetary donations, gift cards, socks and hygiene products are all ongoing needs. Contact Kalie to learn more Kalie@StreetsTeam.org or visit StreetsTeam.org.

Eating Disorders Resource Center: As is true for other mental illnesses and addictions, the holidays are a challenging time for those struggling with eating disorders and body image issues. EDRC hosts free weekly support groups for individuals who do not have insurance or the ability to pay for services. . Many people do not realize that eating disorders, including anorexia, bulimia and binge eating, affect all ages, genders, ethnicities and socio-economic backgrounds. Your contribution makes it possible for us to continue to offer free support groups and vital resources for individuals and families in need. Checks may be mailed to: Eating Disorders Resource Center, 15891 Los Gatos-Almaden Road, Los Gatos, CA 95032. Or donate online at www.edrcsv.org.

The Family Giving Tree: fulfills the exact holiday wishes of children and seniors in-need throughout the Greater Bay Area. This year we need your help filling the wishes of 80,000 deserving children and seniors. Pick up a wish tag at a participating Wells Fargo Bank location in the South and East Bay, fulfill a wish online at www.familygivingtree.org/donate or call 408-946-3111 to make a contribution. You can make holiday wishes come true this season!

Family Supportive Housing: provides interim emergency housing and supportive services to families experiencing homelessness. Financial donations are most needed this holiday season. Gift cards for gas, groceries and clothing are also appreciated. We also have many volunteer opportunities. Contact Christi Moyer Kelly at 408-516-5106, or go to www.familysupportivehousing.org and click on "how to help."

HomeFirst Services: will, again this year, offer a warm bed and meals to more than1,000 homeless individuals -- infants to seniors, veterans & families -- each day at our three Cold Weather Shelters in San Jose, Sunnyvale & Gilroy, through April 15. Donation can be made to HomeFirst, 507 Valley Way, Milpitas, CA. 95035. For online donations, visit www.homefirstscc.org/donate. Our most vulnerable neighbors also need towels, twin size sheets, rain ponchos, small toiletry items, nonperishable snacks, new white socks & underwear (including bras in all sizes), sweat pants, sweat shirts & store gift cards. Contact Tracie Wallace at info@homefirstscc.org, 408-539-2143.

Jewish Family Services of Silicon Valley: empowers people facing difficult challenges to have better lives. We assist more than 5,000 low income people in need and accept supermarket, gas and department store gift cards; toys; and cash donations year-round. New unwrapped toys, gift cards, unexpired nonperishable food, and cash donations are needed throughout the winter holidays to bring light and warmth to appreciative families (including refugees) and seniors. Donations can be dropped off from 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays and 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Fridays at 14855 Oka Road, Suite 202, Los Gatos. Monetary donations can be made online at www.jfssv.org. 408-556-0600.

LifeMoves: formerly InnVision Shelter Network, provides interim housing and supportive services for homeless families and individuals to rapidly return to stable housing and achieve long-term self-sufficiency. Last year, LifeMoves served over 10,000 people: 93% of families and 72% of singles returned to stable housing. To help directly support homeless children and adults during this holiday season, LifeMoves requests financial contributions as well as donations of gift cards, linens and bedding, new socks undergarments, kitchen supplies, and dishware. For more information about all our holiday giving opportunities, visit www.lifemoves.org/holidays.

Live Oak Adult Day Services: needs soft, warm items like socks, sweaters, sweats, hoods, gloves, scarves, to give to our seniors as stocking stuffers and personal gifts from Mr. & Mrs. Santa when they come to visit each of our four (4) centers. We also need nutritious, non-perishable foods including, tuna, peanut butter, low-sugar snacks, 100 percent fruit juices, canned fruit, low-sodium canned vegetables, grocery and retail gift cards are welcome. To donate call 408-971-9363 or email liveoakdaycare@att.net. Additionally, visit our web site at www.liveoakadultdaycare.org.

Martha's Kitchen: a private nonprofit, community-based agency needs frozen turkeys and 5-lb canned hams. Donations may be dropped off at Martha's Kitchen, 311 Willow St. corner Locust Street at the Sacred Heart Church grounds, 6 a.m.- 2 p.m. Mondays, Thursday and Fridays; 6 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays. 408-293-6111, www.marthas-kitchen.org. We are closed Thanksgiving Day and day after, as well as Dec. 24-Jan. 1.

Next Door Solutions to Domestic Violence (NDS): asks our community to help make the holidays a little bit brighter by providing items for our Winter Open House celebration for our clients and their children on December 16th: Gift Cards in $25 increments (i.e., Target, Mi Pueblo Foods); New Books, especially multilingual or multicultural, and new stuffed animals. NDS will also accept monetary donations. Next Door Solution's mission is to end domestic violence in the moment and for all time, supporting survivors on their path from crisis to self-sufficiency. Contact us at development@nextdoor.org or (408) 501-7544, www.nextdoor.org.

The Shop with a Cop Foundation Silicon Valley: seeks funding to host over 100 under-served children for a holiday shopping spree with local Bay Area police officers. For many of the children, this special opportunity becomes the only holiday experience they will have. Some participants are selected from the Readers Are Leaders reading campaign at local elementary schools, where they "earn" their way to the shopping spree. Other children participating are living in traumatic crisis from the loss of a parent, domestic violence and other tragedies. With a uniformed police officer by their side during the shopping spree, each child receives a $150.00Target gift card to shop for gifts for their family members and for themselves. The whole premise is to humanize the people behind the badge so that children can grow up trusting the police. Visit www.shopwithacopsv.org. Our address is P.O. Box 8003 San Jose, CA 95155-8003.

RotaCare Bay Area: is a volunteer alliance of medical professionals, organizations and community members dedicated to providing free primary, quality health care services to uninsured families and individuals with limited ability to pay for medical care. We are in need of volunteer physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants, as well as pharmacists, registrars, and interpreters. We rely on the monetary donations of the community can be made online at www.rotacarebayarea.org, or by mail 514 Valley Way, Milpitas,CA 95035 or by phone at 408-263-8166.

Sacred Heart Community Service: is distributing 7,400 holiday food boxes to families and toys to 6,200 children. Bring joy this holiday season and join our family by dropping off turkeys or new toys, volunteering, organizing a donation drive, or volunteering. Our donation station is open from 8 a.m.- 5 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Fridays and 9 a.m.-noon Saturdays at 1381 S. First St., San Jose. To learn more and donate online, visit www.sacredheartcs.org/holidays.

St. Vincent de Paul of Santa Clara County: is a non-profit organization that has been helping all needy individuals and families throughout Santa Clara County since 1946. With a goal of homeless prevention and re-housing families in need of shelter they are often a last resort for those facing life on the streets. With 23-conferences and over 700 volunteers located throughout Santa Clara County each year they help over 92,000 needy people with rent, utilities, clothing, food and healthcare. Monetary donations to help needy families are always appreciated, especially as we approach the holidays and inclement weather. Donations can be made on-line or mailed in. The organization also accepts auto donations. For more information, go to www.svdp.org.

The Salvation Army Silicon Valley: works to do the most good, for the most people, in the most need. This year as Christmas approaches, help us make the holidays merry for those in need by donating. For children 0-12 years of age: baby dolls, soft plush toys, building toys, Barbie, board games, skateboards, toddler ride-on toys, trikes, bikes, sports equipment, educational and musical toys/gifts. Gift cards, warm clothing such as sweatshirts, hoodies and other warm clothing for pre-teens. For Seniors: body/personal care bags or baskets, blankets. For the Homeless: thick warm socks, knit hats, underwear, gloves, cold weather jackets, ponchos, blankets and sleeping bags. Donations can be left at The Salvation Army Silicon Valley, 359 N. Fourth St., San Jose, CA 95112. Office hours are 9 a.m.-4 p.m. 408-282-1165. Website: salvationarmysiliconvalley.org.

City of Saratoga: is collecting nonperishable food items as well as new, unwrapped toys to be distributed to needy families this holiday season as part of its annual Food and Toy Drive. Food donations can be delivered to the Joan Pisani Community Center, 19655 Allendale Ave., Saratoga Area Senior Center, 19655 Allendale Ave., Saratoga Prospect Center, 19848 Prospect Road, and Saratoga Library, 13650 Saratoga Ave. Toys can be dropped off at the Saratoga City Manager's Office, 13777 Fruitvale Ave., Saratoga Historical Museum, 20450 Saratoga-Los Gatos Road, the Joan Pisani Community Center, and Saratoga Area Senior Center. Donations will be accepted through Dec. 20. For more information, call 408.868.1249 or visit www.saratoga.ca.us.

Second Harvest Food Bank of Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties: is one of the largest food banks in the nation and provides food to an average of more than 257,000 people each month here in Silicon Valley. A $50 donation can provide the equivalent of 100 nutritious meals! In addition to cash donations, they are also requesting frozen turkeys, and nutritious non-perishable food items such as canned food with pop-top lids (for example: meals in a can, soup, stew, chili, low-sodium vegetables), tuna, peanut butter, olive or canola oil, and healthy snacks. Donations can be dropped off at any of their three locations: 750 Curtner Ave., San Jose, 4001 N. First St., San Jose, or 1051 Bing St., San Carlos. For a drop-off schedule or to make a donation, call 866-234-3663 or go to SHFB.org.

The Silicon Valley Education Foundation (SVEF): is a non-profit resource and advocate for students and educators in Silicon Valley. SVEF is dedicated to putting all students on track for college and career, focusing on the critical areas of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). Through operating programs, advocating for equitable policies at the school district level, and bringing innovation education technology into the classroom, SVEF directly works to create a 21st century skilled workforce and empower underserved, minority students. Help SVEF close the achievement gap today and give the gift of education. For more information visit www.svefoundation.org or call 408-790-9400.

SJB Child Development Centers: provide services for low income families in Santa Clara County who have children from newborn to 12-years-old, offering them free to low cost preschool or before and after school child care from 7 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Friday. Our program also includes free breakfast, lunch and afternoon snacks for children who attend our subsidized programs. We are dedicated to provide high quality services for families to help their children succeed in school and life. We are seeking donations to purchase needed materials for the classroom such as age appropriate children books, educational toys and computers for the school age program. Please consider making a donation to our program to support children in need and to help them thrive. Your generosity will empower countless lives. SJB Child Development Centers, 1400 Parkmoor Ave., San Jose, CA, 95126. 408-414-2700, extension X210, or visit sjbcdc.org.

Sunnyvale Community Services: is seeking nonperishable food items, new toys, gifts and gift cards for those aged 7-to-17 for holiday gift distribution to low income families in Sunnyvale. Food items most needed are healthy cereal, canned tuna and chicken, peanut butter and jelly, canned soup, and canned tomato products. Gift cards to Target and Safeway are also greatly appreciated. Drop-off hours are weekdays 8:30 a.m.- 5 p.m. through Nov. 30 and 7 a.m.-8 p.m.Dec. 1-11. The center is located at 725 Kifer Road, Sunnyvale. All Sunnyvale Fire Stations also take donations for SCS seven days a week. 408-738-4298, www.svcommunityservices.org.

Teen Challenge Holiday Gift Drive: is seeking new clothing, new toys, hygiene products, cleaning products and food for the men, women, teens, and children in our program. Donations will be accepted at the Teen Challenge office, 390 Matthew St., Santa Clara. 408-703-2001.

Unity Care's Santa's Helpers Donation Drive: uplifts 800 lonely, anxious and heartbroken foster children in our care. To ensure every youth has a gift to open, individuals and corporations can help by hosting a toy drive or holiday party. Donate unwrapped gifts for children ages 0-24 or $25 gift cards to Target or Walmart. Consider adopting and decorating one of 12 teen homes in San Jose, Los Gatos, Daly City, South San Francisco, or Foster City. (408) 971-9822. Donations can also be offered online at www.unitycare.org.

West Valley Community Services: its mission is to unite the community to fight hunger and homelessness. This holiday season, we need your help. We need donations of nonperishable foods including meals-in-a-can (stew, chili, soup), tuna, canned meat, peanut butter, canned foods with pop-top lids, low-sugar cereals, 100% fruit juices in single-serving boxes, canned fruit, canned vegetables, diapers ( 3T, 4T, and pull ups), feminine hygiene products, and gift cards. Donations may be dropped off at 10104 Vista Drive in Cupertino. Holiday volunteer and donation opportunities are also available. 408-956-6115, www.wvcommunityservices.org.

Yu-Ai Kai: a multi-service non-profit senior community center located in San Jose's Japantown, is seeking gift cards, packaged batteries, individually wrapped toilet paper, individually wrapped paper towel rolls, dish soap, Kleenex, toothpaste, toothbrushes, t-shirts, 40 or 60 watt light bulbs (energy efficient preferred), and Brita water filters to be given out to our seniors. Donations can be dropped off at 588 N. Fourth St., San Jose, CA 95112 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday-Friday. For more information, please contact Julie Hubbard at staff@yuaikai.org and 408-294-2505; website: yuaikai.org.

The Peninsula

Christmas Bureau of Palo Alto: is a non-denominational and non-profit organization. It helps bring the joys of the season by providing monetary assistance to over 3,400 individuals comprised of low-income families, seniors and adults. The checks are used by recipients to meet their own individual needs. Please help us continue the joy of giving to those who need assistance. Send your tax-deductible check to: Christmas Bureau of Palo Alto, P.O. Box 51874, Palo Alto, CA, 94303 or donate through Pay Pal. Visit www.christmasbureauofpaloalto.org.

Community Services Agency of Mountain View and Los Altos: needs gifts and/or gift cards for teens, food donations, and volunteers to help provide holiday spirit to hundreds of families in the local community. Donations can be delivered 9 a.m.-noon and 1:30-4 p.m. weekdays at 204 Stierlin Road, Mountain View. 650-968-0836, www.csacares.org.

Ecumenical Hunger Program: 2411 Pulgas Ave., East Palo Alto, is in need of help for the holidays. We can use donations of cash, gift cards from local department & grocery stores and teen gifts for underprivileged families in East Palo Alto, Palo Alto and Menlo Park. The agency also needs volunteers. Donations can be made not just for the holidays but also throughout the year as the number of people in need increases. Food items such as turkeys, ham and chicken are welcome. Please mail or drop off donations, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays through Dec. 22. We also will be open Dec. 16 & 17. Contact LaKesha at 650-323-7781, or visit www.ehpcares.org.

Peninsula Healthcare Connection: is a state licensed medical clinic holistically serving homeless and low-income individuals in North Santa Clara County. PHC provides integrated primary, preventative, and mental health care free of charge to community members who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. Financial donations are greatly appreciated this holiday season. Your gift ensures PHC can continue to provide these services year-round. For more information, please contact Eileen Richardson at Eileen@peninsulahcc.org; website peninsulahcc.org.

Rebuilding Together Peninsula: transforms lives by providing critical repairs, accessibility modifications and energy efficient upgrades to low-income homes and community centers at no cost to service recipients in San Mateo County and northern Santa Clara County. Over the next year, we will be serving 130 homeowners through its year-round Safe at Home minor home repair program, 40-50 homeowners and 20-30 community facilities through its National Rebuilding Day program in the Spring, and another 8-10 homeowners and community facilities through its Summer/Fall Team Build program. We are located at 841 Kaynyne St., Redwood City. To donate or volunteer, contact 650-366-6597, website www.rebuildingtogetherpeninsula.org.

Alameda County

Viola Blythe Community Service Center of Newark: 37365 Ash St., which serves children and families, needs fresh holiday food such as turkey, chicken, eggs, milk, as well as new unwrapped toys, gift cards for food. Drop-off hours are 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Mondays-Fridays., through Dec. 23 at 7730 Enterprise Drive, Newark. 510-794-3437, www.violablythe.org.

___

(c)2017 the San Jose Mercury News (San Jose, Calif.)

Visit the San Jose Mercury News (San Jose, Calif.) at www.mercurynews.com

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.