A short list of places here in Fresno that are ready to accept your generosity
Another Holiday season is approaching and we’re preparing for candy canes, hot chocolate, and spending time with loved ones. The season is a great time to reflect on a year that’s passed, and many of us have fond memories of family traditions and years past that we’re eager to recreate once again, but it can also be a time of giving.
It’s no surprise in a community like Fresno that there is no shortage of organizations working to give back this holiday season, and we’ve put together a list of some great places to give back this year, whether you’re donating toys, coats, your time, or nonperishables.
Fresno/Madera Toys For Tots
Toys For Tots is running their toy drive this year, assisted by several local businesses who’re working to give presents to children in need. The campaign is in full swing, and if you wish to donate a toy, be sure to bring one that is new and not wrapped.
Toys can be brought to Hendrick’s Chevrolet located at 961 W Shaw Ave, Clovis, CA 93612 any time from November 1st to December 15th during their normal business hours from 8 AM to 7 PM on weekdays, 10 AM to 6 PM Saturdays, and 10 AM to 5 PM on Sundays. While Hendrick’s Chevrolet is acting as the Fresno/Madera Toys For Tots drop-off and distribution center this year, there will also be some marathons and other drop-off locations, supported by some local businesses.
Other official toy drop-off locations include:
- Goldstein’s Mortuary And Delicatessen, located 1279 N Wishon Ave, Fresno, CA 93728
- The Range Pistol Club, located 5151 N Gates Ave, Fresno, CA 93722
This year there will also be some donation events and marathons for the toy drive, including the Toys For Tots Marathon Weekend, kicking off Friday, December 3rd, and running all day every day until Sunday, December 5th, at the Riverpark Shopping Center, located 71 E Via la Plata, Fresno, 93720, near the roundabout.
Fulton 55, located at 875 Divisadero St, Fresno, 93721 will also be running an event for donations, featuring several local bands, starting at 3 PM on Sunday, December 5th.
Coats For Kids
Coats For Kids aims to keep children in need warm during the holiday season, and they’ve teamed up with some local businesses to make that vision a reality once again this year. The Fresno County Sheriff’s Foundation For Public Safety and Kiss Country will be working together with Coats For Kids this year, hosting a Coat-a-thon, which will be held alongside the Toys For Tots Donation Marathon Weekend this year, at the Riverpark Shopping Center, located at 71 E Via la Plata, Fresno, 93720, also near the roundabout.
The Coat-a-thon will run from Friday, December 3rd, to Sunday, December 5th, but unlike the Toys For Tots Marathon will only be from 10 AM to 6 PM Friday and Saturday, and 10 AM to 5 PM on Sunday.
KYJO Angel Trees
KYJO (Keeping Youth Journeying Onward) is a foster family agency in Fresno and this year, they’re once again running a gift drive, from November 17 through December 17th, benefitting children in foster care.
Trees, called Angel Trees, will be hosted at local businesses, adorned with ornaments with wishes on them. Those wishing to donate can either visit a physical tree, and purchase a wish, and donate it at the same tree, or they can view wishlists online here, and order online, having it delivered directly to KYJO.
Be A Santa To A Senior
Be A Santa To A Senior aims to deliver Christmas gifts to seniors each year, and this year is no different. Working similarly to KYJO’s Angel Trees, Be A Santa To A Senior trees will be adorned with ornaments with wishes on them that those wishing to donate can choose to fulfill.
There is one tree in Fresno, located at Home Instead, located at 745 E Locust Ave Suite 105
Fresno, 93720. Donation hours are 8 AM to 4 PM, Monday through Friday. You can also elect to donate online, where wish lists can be found here.
Conclusion
The holidays are a time for not only spending time with loved ones, eating good food, counting our blessings, and reflecting on our faiths but also a time of love and giving in our community.
Fortunately, Fresno is a rich community, and there is always someone willing to help. No matter how you plan to give back this year, there are plenty of organizations and events ready to help you help others. Whether you’re volunteering time, spreading the word, or donating goods, giving back to the community makes an already magical time of year even more magical.
I love where I live, and I also love what I do. I'm lucky to be able to work in a profession in which I get to build relationships; one that has me meeting new people each and every day and helping them to build new lives in my beloved city. I'm lucky enough to work in a profession in which I can marry cutting-edge technologies and marketing techniques to good, old-fashioned, nose-to-the-grindstone work. I am lucky enough to work in a profession that allows me to work as an advocate for my clients; to use every tool at my disposal to get a job done well for them, and with as little stress and expense as possible.
I love my city. I love my job. One inspires my excellence for the other.
Fresno? I say FresYES
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