Who are we and what do we do?

The Family Giving Tree is a nonprofit organization, based in California's San Francisco Bay Area, dedicated to fulfilling the holiday wishes of children who would otherwise go without gifts.  Thousands of people in the Bay Area are not able to obtain the basic necessities of life. The Family Giving Tree was established to help these individuals obtain warm clothing, bedding, and household supplies, as well as important items for children such as baby car seats, clothes, educational supplies and toys. The goal of the Family Giving Tree is to offer assistance to as many people as possible through the Giving Tree programs by creating a simple and effective way for anyone to enrich their own life by helping others. The Family Giving Tree program began in 1990 as a San Jose State University MBA class project. Jennifer Cullenbine and Todd Yoshida were asked to "create a program that adds value to someone else's life."  They created the Family Giving Tree with the hope of providing Christmas gifts to 300 children in East Palo Alto. Encouraged by the success of the first year, Jennifer decided to continue the program. In the 20th year of the program's existence, the number of gifts donated had grown to 63,000, making the Family Giving Tree the largest gift donation program in California.

Who do we help?

The Family Giving Tree Holiday Program works with more than 200 Bay Area social service agencies. These agencies supply us with the names and wishes of the children they serve year-round. A wish card is printed for each child, detailing their age, gender,first name and their wish for a holiday gift.  In 2009, the Family Giving Tree collected wishes from 258 social service agencies in the Bay Area. These include homeless shelters, community centers, rehabilitation houses, and other various non-profit organizations.  While children and teens make up 90% of the wishes collect, we also help homeless persons, special needs adults and senior citizens.

Where do the gifts come from?

Over 900 Bay Area companies and schools participate in the program by displaying the wish cards, often on trees, in their lobbies and other public areas.  The wish cards are prepared by the Family Giving Tree and delivered to the sponsoring companies in November.  The generosity of employees, customers and students make this program a success. By selecting a wish card, these individuals pledge to purchase a gift for a child in need.  Any company, school, or business can become a sponsor/host of the Family Giving Tree.  In 2009, 935 host companies helped us provide over 60,000 gifts to children in need!

How do you, the agency coordinator(s), fit in?

You are the dedicated team committed to serving children and other individuals in need on a daily basis.  Each year, you help us collect specific, personal wishes from each individual you serve.  We understand that this is a daunting task and we do everything we can to help you streamline the process.  Our donors are excited to know that each wish is specific and personal and that the gift they purchase will go to a child that is truly in need.  We ask that our agency partners share the responsibility of making sure each wish is meaningful, by taking the time to address each child's need.  Agency registration for the Holiday Program usually begins in September and wishes are due in October.  Official due dates are posted each year; wishes submitted after the deadline are subject to additional processing fees. Agencies should except to pick up their gifts after December 19th; they will not be available sooner. We love to have photos of the children with their gifts and thank you letters to share with our hosts and donors. If this is something your agency is able to provide, we need to know if we have permission to use them.