West Valley Community Services' annual Gift of Hope program was held in person on Saturday, December 10th, 2022. The event, where we invite the community to help economically disadvantaged individuals and families celebrate the holiday season, has been conducted for the last three years as a drive-through-pick-up. This year we finally went back to an in person format held on the West Presbyterian Church premises. We extend special thanks to the church for providing us the space to host the event, and also to the individuals, families, service clubs, and corporate teams that joined together to adopt families and help make their holiday wishes come true.
On the day of the event, joyful energy filled the hallways while our community members came to pick up gifts. As parents gathered presents, the children created bead necklaces and art work in the crafts room supported by Assembly Member Evan Low’s associates, and volunteers wrapped the gifts for parents and other seniors to take home for the holidays. And there were free children's books available for kids to pick up on their way out.
Thanks to our generous sponsors we were able to serve more than 1,300 unhoused and low-income people and families. Needed items, including crockpots and microwaves, blankets, jackets, and toys for their children, made so many families smile on a rather wet winter Saturday. Later in the week we had a similar distribution at our Park-It Market locations for all those community members who were unable to attend the Saturday event at West Presbyterian Church.
Thank you so very much to all the donors and volunteers for supporting Gift of Hope and bringing holiday joy to our community members! This is what community service is all about.