Thanks to the incredible generosity of our supporters, our holiday giving drive raised more than
to support children and families recovering from difficult and traumatic circumstances.
We will carefully use funds entrusted to us to help vulnerable families with necessities such as laptops for distance learning and telehealth services, as well as essential behavioral health services that ensure children and teens can thrive in school and at home.
However, the giving didn’t end there, with supporters across the state coming together to create a joyous holiday season for thousands of children and families…
Los Angeles Gift Drive
Holidays in 2020, like many things, had to be reimagined, but thanks to the support of many corporate, nonprofit, and community partners who collectively raised more than $52,000, there was joy on the faces of more than 1,000 children in the Los Angeles region this holiday season. Over 132 sponsored wish lists ensured there were gifts aplenty for children and their parents, hand-selected with love and care. This goodwill and compassionate support allowed each family member to have something new of their very own to open this holiday season.
The abundance of joy and relief (and some tears of joy) in the eyes of those we support spoke volumes. Where they thought they might not have something special for their children this holiday, the community of Los Angeles – truly the city of Angels – came through.
Our heartfelt gratitude and thanks to all who did their part to make sure no child was without this holiday season, including our team of elves who spent an afternoon wrapping gifts while safely distanced, our dedicated program staff who hand-delivered gifts, and our many community partners. A special thanks to Shelter Partnership and Nécessaire for the donations of essential household items and National Giving Alliance for donating sweatshirts and blankets. Toys including new bikes, scooters, Legos, and more were donated by the carload from Otis Elevator Company, Elite Soccer Club, and SV6 Ministry to fill Santa’s Workshop with something for every age group!
Finally, we are grateful for the generosity of our Board of Governors, Joana’s Wishlist, and many other community members who went above and beyond for our families. Your generosity knows no bounds.
Bay Area Gift Drive
Meanwhile, in the Bay Area, we raised close to $72,000, fulfilling more than 2,100 gifts for the children and families in this community!
Twenty-two donor groups and companies came together (virtually) to help our children and families with toys and gift cards that ensured an extra special holiday season. Each participant selected either a gift amount or the number of families they would like to support via our website. Then our program staff, who are essential workers in the community, safely distributed the gifts in time for the holidays. We had a great response to this new setup, and even saw an increase in participation from our amazing supporters.
We are incredibly grateful to have been able to continue this special program, which makes the holidays brighter for the most vulnerable children and families in the Bay Area, and generates meaningful community support. Many thanks to all who participated with such generosity and made this drive such a success: Frank Rimerman + Co., Aera Technology, The Butter Paddle Gift Shop/EMQ Auxiliary, Cigna, San Jose Earthquakes, Elaine Herzig & Carolyn’s Kids, Happy Dragon Thrift Shop, Heather Cisowski, Heffernan Insurance Brokers, Hillbrook School, II-VI Co., Irene Jacobson & Friends, Jennifer Colson, Swenson Foundation, Tabs Family, Mezzetti Law, PwC, Roche Diagnostics, Francisco and Misty Morales and family, Sinead Borgersen & Cub Scouts, Santa Clara University Athletic Department, Sheila Juthani & Friends, Unicorn Thrift Shop, and Veritas.
Thank you!
In total, these giving opportunities raised a combined $274,000+!
On behalf of our entire staff, board, and our Uplift families, we are deeply grateful for the opportunity to continue making a real and lasting difference for the children and families we serve.
Best wishes for a year of healing, hope, and wellness to everyone in our community.
