Ways for Families to Give Back This Holiday Season
Teach your children that the holiday season isn't just about getting gifts, but about giving back to our community, too. Here are a few ways that families can give back, from donations of food and toys to serving a meal for the needy. If you have a favorite cause worth supporting this holiday season, please let us know.
Help Feed Local Families in Need
Food donations for families in need are welcome at any time of year, but especially during the holidays. Monetary donations are also welcome, and actually help the food bank and other organizations reach even more families.
- Drop off non-perishable food donations at the SF-Marin Food Bank warehouse in San Rafael or volunteer for a variety of jobs.
- Visit the World's Largest Turkey at Town Center Corte Madera to help with their 33rd annual food drive.
- Volunteer with ExtraFood to pick up surplus food at local businesses and deliver to nonprofits — children can volunteer with their parents or guardians!
- Help GLIDE in San Francisco serve a meal or pack bagged lunches. They have volunteer opportunities for ages 8 and up.
Help Make the Holidays Bright at a Toy or Gift Drive
Your family can help make Christmas brighter for families in need by donating or helping with a local toy or gift drive. Toy drives accept new unwrapped toys and programs accept online monetary donations as well.
- San Rafael Santa Cop will collect toys at all San Rafael fire stations, Marinwood Fire, Tiburon Fire Department, and the Kentfield Fire District office. You can also drop off toys when you visit Santa at West End Nursery's Christmas House on Saturday, December 6 from 1 to 3 pm.
- The US Marine Corps Reserve's Toys for Tots program is famous for providing toys for less fortunate children in the community. Collection sites in Marin include Bay Club locations and Marin County Ford.
- Drop off toys for kids ages 2 to 14 at collection bins at Marin County Fire stations and Marin County Sheriff substations.
- 100% of donations given to the Novato-based Sparkle Foundation go directly to women and children in need. All recipients are hand-selected by Sparkle. Donate gifts or funds for their 2025 Gift Drive and learn more on their website.
- For over 50 yarrs, North Marin Community Services' Holiday Share and Toy Drive has been making the holidays brighter for local families. Donate a new toy or gift from a child's wish list or a $25 or $50 gift card for teens (Target, Amazon, etc.).
Give the Gift of Clothing This Winter
- One Warm Coat collects coats and outerwear for the needy in the fall and winter. You can donate new or gently used coats at drop off locations throughout Marin and the Bay Area.
- Bloom provides free wardrobes to men, women, and children to boost their self-esteem and self-confidence. Donate new and gently used clothing at their location in San Rafael or purchase items from the Amazon wish list.
