“Since 1988, this program has made the holidays brighter for local children, adults and seniors,” said Volunteer & Student Intern Services Coordinator, Tonja Edelman. “On a daily basis we provide for the well-being of those we serve, but a program like this illustrates our desire to go beyond what is required and enrich people’s lives – and it’s particularly rewarding during this special time of year.”
Local community partners and individuals from area businesses, county staff, government agencies, religious organizations, service groups, professional groups and families participate in this annual holiday gift-giving drive. Each year, more than 90 community partners donate nearly 10,000 gifts to more than 3,000 children, youth, adults with disabilities and seniors throughout Sacramento County.
The success of the Gifts from the Heart program not only lies with kind sponsors but also with the wonderful volunteers who dedicate hundreds of hours helping to organize and distribute gifts. Each year, a team of more than 50 volunteers manages the pick-up, distribution and delivery of gifts from community and private sponsors. The volunteers, many of whom return year after year, spend weeks in the warehouse organizing toys and gifts to be delivered or picked up by social workers. In 2018, program and community partner volunteers donated more than 12,370 hours at an estimated $360,000 value.
This year the program is in need of more volunteers to work at the warehouse. Consider volunteering time during the season. If you cannot volunteer at the warehouse you can also participate in the Gifts from the Heart program by sponsoring gifts or becoming a community partner.
Brand new toys are welcome and cash donations will be deposited into the Gifts from the Heart trust account for the sole purpose of purchasing gifts. All gifts and monetary donations are tax-deductible.
Contact the Gifts from the Heart Coordinator for additional donation and contribution information.
To participate: drop-off new unwrapped gifts/toys for any age group from Nov. 13 – Dec. 12 at one of the County lobby locations listed below.
- 9750 Business Park Drive, Suite 220
- 3331 Power Inn Road
- 7001-A East Parkway
- 700 H Street
- 3701 Branch Center Road
- 7000 65th Street (Voter Registration)
Those interested in donating may also write a check to the Department of Child, Family & Adult Services/Gifts from the Heart Program and mail to P.O. Box 269057, Sacramento, CA 95826-9443. 100 percent of donations are used to purchase gifts.
Seniors and adults with disabilities would be grateful to receive clocks with large numbers, radios, blankets, warm clothes, space heaters, sheet and comforter sets, mittens, gloves, 2020 calendars, puzzles, bathroom and kitchen towels, bathrobes, lotion, body wash, postage stamps, large print books, slippers, audiobooks, arts & craft kits, winter jackets, coffee pots, mugs, socks, knitted caps, kitchen plate sets, large print crossword puzzles, toasters or wallets.
Children served by Child Protective Services would be thankful to receive board games, educational toys, books, arts and crafts, funky socks, warm clothes, mp3s, electronic games, backpacks, tote bags, watches, hair products, hairdryers, flat irons, basketballs, soccer balls, footballs or fuzzy blankets.