This year has been an especially difficult one for everyone, even moreso during the holidays. Now, more than ever, organizations around the Bay Area are ramping up their efforts to provide help to anyone who is struggling during these difficult times. Below, we've assembled a list of resources where you can get the help you need, or donate and give back to your own community. This is a working list which we will continue to update throughout this holiday season and beyond. If you have a suggestion for a resource we should include, email us here.
Arriba Juntos
Helps San Francisco families achieve economic self-sufficiency through occupational training and employment opportunities.
Ecumenical Hunger Helpers
Helps working families, seniors, people with limited incomes, as well as those with emergency and on-going needs in East Palo Alto, Menlo Park and surrounding areas.
Family Giving Tree
Provides holiday gifts to Bay Area children, families and seniors from low-income households.
GLIDE
The center has a multitude of services available for San Franciscans, from daily free meals, to childcare, crisis intervention and more.
Jewish Family and Children’s Services
Assistance for seniors, disabled, families, parents and adults in Marin, Sonoma and San Francisco counties as well as parts of the Peninsula. Food banks available. If you or someone you care about needs help, you can call their critical help line at 415-449-3700.
Meals on Wheels San Francisco
Prepares and delivers nutritious meals to ensure no homebound senior goes hungry.
Project Open Hand
Prepares life-sustaining meals for people fighting illness and coping with the challenges of aging in San Francisco and Oakland.
Salvation Army
Provides a variety of resources for seniors, families, children and addicts throughout the Bay Area. Visit your local Salvation Army for more information.
Samaritan House San Mateo
Provides food, medical services, shelter, counseling and referral services.
- For help, call (650) 347-3648
- How to apply for financial assistance
- How to donate
San Francisco Firefighters Toy Program
Toy donations are accepted throughout the year at any San Francisco firehouse. For more information, or to make a donation, call (415)777-0440.
Second Harvest of Silicon Valley
Addresses the issue of food insecurity by providing groceries to South Bay residents.
St. Vincent de Paul
Provides safety net services for folks experiencing homelessness, struggling financially or living on the margins.
United Way of the Bay Area
Their COVID-19 relief fund includes rental assistance, cash assistance, motel vouchers, groceries and childcare.
San Jose Public Library Holiday Laptop Donation Drive
In partnership with HP Inc., San José Public Library, and the Library Foundation are hosting a donation drive to refresh and repurpose used Windows laptops.
- Donations can be made at any of SJPL's Express Pickup locations Monday – Saturday from 1:00 – 6:00 PM.
- Borrow a laptop or iPad with your SJPL library card
Free Wi-Fi Hotspots for SJPL Members
You can check out a Wi-Fi hotspot device with your San Jose Public Library membership. This service is free and available to adults (18+).
- Hotspot Pickup Locations, Hours, & Contact
Alameda County Community Food Bank
Alameda County Community Food Bank passionately pursues a hunger-free community by working to end hunger in Alameda County.
SF-Marin Food Bank
As an essential service, the Food Bank continues to do the day-in and day-out job of making sure neighbors get the food they need.
AACI Holiday Drive
AACI will be collecting gift cards and funds through December 11, 2020, in order to provide gift cards to children of under-served clients, including children of domestic violence survivors and refugees. Every $25 will provide a child with a gift card to buy the gift of their choice this holiday season.
Shelter In Place (SHIP) Kits San Jose
San Jose SHIP Kits is providing medical, nutritional, and emotional support for Santa Clara County community members whose livelihood has been negatively impacted by the state-wide Shelter in Place mandate.
Oakland Public Education Fund
- The mission of #OaklandUndivided is to ensure every Oakland public school student has a computer, internet connection, and technology support in their home for the upcoming school year.
- How to get help
- How to donate