Ways to Give Back This Holiday Season in the East Bay Area

The holiday season is a special time in the East Bay, a time to come together, share joy, and support neighbors in need. Across the East Bay, countless families, seniors, unhoused individuals, and pets rely on community generosity to make their holidays brighter. From adopting a family through local programs to volunteering at shelters, food pantries, and animal rescues, there are many ways to give back and make a meaningful impact right here in the East Bay. Whether you live in Oakland, Fremont, Livermore, or anywhere else in the East Bay, your time, resources, and care can help create a season of hope, connection, and kindness for those who need it most.

1. Adopt a Family Through Brighter Beginnings

One of the most impactful ways to give back in the East Bay is by adopting a family in need through Brighter Beginnings, a longstanding nonprofit organizations serving families in Alameda and Contra Costa counties. This beloved holiday program connects donors with local families who could use extra support, especially during this challenging year.

Why It Matters

Every adoption puts joy, hope, and stability directly into the hands of families right here in our East Bay neighborhoods. Last year alone, the program supported 275+ families and nearly 1,000 family members, providing everything from children’s gifts to essential household items.

In 2025, the program is running with limited staffing, which means your participation matters more than ever. Donors are encouraged to adopt one family and provide a robust, thoughtful set of gifts that truly lifts their season.

How the Adopt-a-Family Program Works

1. Sign Up & Browse Families

Create an account and browse stories of local families who share their needs, wishes, and a glimpse of their daily life. Each family profile lists their details and needs, making it easy to choose someone you feel connected to.

2. Adopt & Shop

Once you select a family, you’ll receive their personalized wish list. From warm clothing to children’s toys to essential home goods, these items make a noticeable difference in how a family experiences the holidays.

3. Drop Off & Celebrate

After shopping and wrapping your gifts, bring them to one of the Brighter Beginnings drop-off locations in Antioch, Richmond, or Oakland. Staff and volunteers ensure each gift reaches the correct family on time.

Drop-off dates typically run mid-December, with multiple time slots across all three centers.

Additional Ways to Support Brighter Beginnings

You can still give back even if you’re not adopting a family this year:

• Donate to the community wish list – Gifts, essentials, and gift cards that support families across multiple programs.

• Support their mission year-round – Monetary donations fund vital services to strengthen local families.

• Reach out with questions – Their team is available at [email protected].

2. Toy Drives

Holiday toy drives are a simple yet powerful way to bring joy to children in need. You can participate as an individual, family, school group, or local business.

Local Toy Drive Options:

• Bay Area Crisis Nursery: Provides gifts for children who have stayed at the nursery and their siblings. Sponsors receive wish lists and can adopt a child or family. Learn More

• Toys for Tots (Marine Corps Reserve): Collects new, unwrapped toys to distribute to economically disadvantaged children across the Bay Area. Multiple donation methods are available, including online, virtual toy boxes, or corporate gift matching. Learn More

Make a family tradition out of a toy drive, your generosity can inspire others year after year.

3. Food Pantries and Meal Programs

Food insecurity affects many in the East Bay, including children, seniors, and unhoused neighbors. Contributing to local food pantries or volunteering at meal programs helps provide nourishment, stability, and hope.

East Bay Food Support Highlights:

• Alameda County Community Food Bank (Oakland): Coordinating food distribution and community partnerships.

• The Well Christian Community Church (Livermore): Provides weekly groceries, hygiene items, and school supplies.

• Tri-Valley Haven (Livermore): Offers groceries, shelter, and support programs for families in crisis.

• Open Heart Kitchen: Hot meals and mobile delivery programs for seniors, students, and unhoused neighbors.

• Second Harvest Food Bank: Supplies East Bay food pantries and school programs with fresh and shelf-stable foods.

Ways to Help: Donate food, contribute financially, volunteer to distribute meals, or host a local food drive.

4. Shelters & Support Services

The holidays can be especially challenging for those experiencing homelessness, domestic violence, or emergency housing needs. Supporting shelters is a tangible way to give back.

Local Options:

• Domestic Violence Shelters: Provide gift donations, clothing, or volunteer time to local women’s shelters. Notable East Bay organizations include:

  • SAVE (Shelter Against Violent Environments): Located in Fremont, SAVE provides emergency shelter, counseling, and advocacy for survivors of domestic violence. They focus on safety planning, legal assistance, and long-term support.
  • A Safe Place: Located in Oakland, A Safe Place offers confidential shelter and supportive services for survivors of domestic violence, including counseling and safety planning.
  • Building Futures with Women & Children: Located in Alameda County, this shelter provides housing and comprehensive services for women and children escaping domestic violence, including transitional programs and advocacy.
  • Tri-Valley Haven: Located in Livermore, Tri-Valley Haven is a shelter and support program for domestic violence survivors, with a focus on safety, healing, and empowerment for women and children.

• Homeless Shelters: Contribute meals, winter clothing, or volunteer to assist families and individuals in need. Notable East Bay organizations include:

  • East Oakland Community Project (EOCP): Offers dignified emergency and transitional housing, meals, and supportive services to help residents regain stability.
  • Midway Shelter: Located in Alameda County, this is emergency shelter for women and children, with access to case management and housing support.
  • FESCO (Family Emergency Shelter Coalition): Located in Hayward, FESCO provides safe, temporary housing and support for families experiencing homelessness.
  • Bay Area Rescue Mission: Located in Richmond, this is emergency shelter for the unhoused with meals, counseling, and long-term housing support.

• Animal Shelters: Help local pets in need through donations or volunteering. Notable East Bay organizations include:

  • Tri-Valley Animal Rescue

  • Valley Humane Society

  • Rocket Dog Rescue

Even small contributions, like toys and towels for shelter animals or blankets for the unhoused, make a big impact.

5. Adopt-a-Senior for Christmas

Seniors are often lonely during the holidays. Programs like CityServe of the Tri-Valley allow volunteers to “adopt” a senior by providing gift bags and personal visits.

How to Participate:

• Purchase items from an Amazon Wish List or put together gift bags with essentials and treats.

• Deliver them personally or through program coordinators, sharing a message of care and connection.

This program brings holiday cheer to seniors who might otherwise feel forgotten during the season. Click here to sign up. 

6. Donate Clothes in the East Bay

Clothing donations are in high demand across the East Bay, especially as temperatures drop during the winter months. Contributing new or gently used clothing can help families, seniors, and individuals experiencing homelessness stay warm, comfortable, and supported.

Places to Donate Clothes in the East Bay:

• Tri-Valley Haven (Livermore) – Accepts clothing donations for families and domestic violence survivors in the Tri-Valley and surrounding East Bay communities.

• SAVE (Fremont) – Provides emergency shelter and services for survivors of domestic violence; welcomes new or gently used clothing donations.

• St. Vincent de Paul Society (Multiple East Bay Locations) – Offers donation bins and drop-off points for clothing, coats, and shoes, helping local residents in need.

• Goodwill Tri-Valley (Pleasanton & Livermore) – Accepts a wide variety of clothing donations while supporting local programs, job training, and community initiatives.

• Annual Warm Coat Drive (Pleasanton) – Each November, as temperatures drop and the season of giving arrives, Connect California Homes hosts our annual Warm Coat Drive to support families in need throughout the East Bay. In partnership with Hively, please join us in donating your clean, gently used warm coats to those in need.

Tips for Donating:
Sort clothing by season, ensure items are clean and gently used, and include warm accessories such as hats, gloves, scarves, and socks to provide extra comfort for those in need.

7. Other Ways to Give Back

• Volunteer Your Time: Many nonprofits welcome extra hands for gift wrapping, meal prep, or event support.

• Donate Supplies or Gift Cards: Help organizations meet specific needs during the holidays.

• Support Local Schools & Community Programs: Contribute to local classroom drives, literacy programs, or wellness initiatives.

• Spread Awareness: Share opportunities on social media or within your workplace to encourage community participation.

Making the Holidays Brighter, Together

Giving back doesn’t always require large donations, your time, thoughtfulness, and effort matter just as much. Whether adopting a family, donating toys, volunteering at a shelter, or spreading awareness, your actions create a ripple effect of joy and support throughout the East Bay.

The holiday season is an opportunity to foster community, kindness, and connection. Explore these programs, find a way that resonates with you, and make a difference in the lives of your neighbors this year.