Davis Street's Annual Holiday Basket Program helps 1,000 families in need!
The 49th Annual Holiday Basket Program wrapped up on Wednesday afternoon on December 23, 2020, and the distribution served 1,000 low-income families, including 1,525 children, and 200 senior households. Each family received a prepackaged complete holiday meal, including a turkey, fresh produce and all the fixings, and a $50 gift card for each child.
The three-day distribution encompassed COVID-19 safety measures in place for the safety of the families, staff, and volunteers. Distribution for the seniors took place on Monday, December 21, 2020, from 8 am-12 pm, and distribution for families and children took place on Tuesday, December 22, 2020, from 9 am – 3 pm, and Wednesday, December 23, 2020, from 9 am -3 pm.
This year, Davis Street’s families have experienced significant hardships and loss due to COVID-19, and Davis Street is exceptionally grateful to an anonymous “angel” donor who provided $100 to each family in addition to their holiday basket. This unexpected gift made a world of difference to Davis Street’s families and helped alleviate the stress this holiday season has brought to many of them due to the pandemic.
Here are some of the comments shared by Davis Street families about what the donation meant to them.
“This means that the rest of this month is going to be okay for my family.”
“This means I can pay my rent and bills.”
“This means I can give my children a Christmas they deserve”
For many families, this special gift and allowed recipients to worry less about making ends meet this month and provided hope during a time where many are struggling.
“This year’s Holiday Basket Program wouldn’t have been possible were it not for the support of the Alameda County Fire Department, Alameda County Firefighters Association - Local 55, California Highway Patrol (Hayward and Castro Valley Offices), San Leandro Police Department, DHE, Abbott Diabetes Care Division, NUG Wellness, Amazon, and countless dedicated community volunteers and donors. Davis Street is beyond grateful to provide support and a sense of security for those who are in need of hope.” said Rose Padilla Johnson, Chief Executive Officer.
