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It’s been a tough year. For many families in the Bay Area, mounting financial, health and other pressures have made shopping for Christmas presents or preparing a festive meal difficult, if not impossible. But it’s not too late to bring some holiday cheer to those in need. To get the snowball rolling, we’ve put together a list of locally based, last-minute ideas.
- Donate to local nonprofits and charities
Have some food or clothing to spare? The donation room at the St. Francis Center is open Monday-Friday, from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Since its founding in 1986, St. Francis has been a local provider of clothing, food and other essential services to those in need. Questions about what you can donate? Call ahead: 650-365-7829. 151 Buckingham Avenue
Bring some cheer to children this season by donating to Firefighter’s Toys For Tots, a local nonprofit that accepts new, unwrapped gifts for kids of all ages. Looking for inspiration? Some suggested donations include: board games, sports equipment, art supplies, books, clothing/accessories and MP3 players with headphones. Drop off gifts at Station 9 of the Redwood City Fire Department at 755 Marshall Street. More locations and information here.
- Become a local elf
Grab your sleigh because Neighbors Helping Neighbors (NHN) needs help making special deliveries to families throughout the Bay Area. NHN is a community organization that helps connect volunteers with those in need, through donations, cultural activities and other services. All the donated clothes have been collected and sorted and need safe passage to their new homes December 23-24. Sign up to be a local delivery elf here.
- Adopt-a-Family
Have a little more to give? Neighbors Helping Neighbors has partnered with other local nonprofits to “adopt families” in need of gifts, groceries, clothes and other essential items. They’ve helped people in homeless shelters, at risk of eviction, seniors, recent immigrants, and single mothers. With Christmas fast approaching, NHN is looking to support several more families over the next couple of days. Sign up here to help a local family with rent, presents, meals and anything else to brighten their holidays. See FAQs for more information.
- Feed the community
Every week, more than 2,000 individuals and families enjoy meals at St. Anthony’s Padua Dining Room, a local institution since 1974. The Dining Room, which is open year-round Monday-Saturday, accepts monetary donations online, as well as in-person contributions of food and supplies to their donation box. 3500 Middlefield Road
- Bring some holiday cheer
No matter your vocal skills, the community needs you—yes, you—to belt out some holiday tunes. In the hopes of bringing some joy to seniors in the mid-Peninsula, Neighbors Helping Neighbors is hoping to organize a caroling outing. All friends and families (and seniors!) are welcome to join. Sign up here.
- Did we miss something—or someone? Let us know in the comments.
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