Help Make Holidays Brighter for Building Futures' Shelter Residents and Domestic Violence and Housing Clients

SAN LEANDRO, CA (November 3, 2015) Each year, we provide new holiday gifts to the women and children who call our shelters home and all those served in our domestic violence and housing assistance programs. We can’t do it without you!

For 300 women and children of all ages--and our men clients, too--your generosity and compassion let them know the community cares.

Items most requested are the essentials: pajamas and slippers, underwear and socks, hats, gloves, umbrellas, and scarves, clothing and shoes. Educational toys, puzzles and books, craft and hobby kits, outdoor toys, multi-racial dolls and character nightlights are perfect for the younger children. Teens enjoy fashion accessories, nail polish and body spray, art supplies, sports equipment and gift cards ($25 or less) for retailers like Amazon.com, Target and Old Navy, or for activities like Alameda Theatre, Century Theatres, Southshore Lanes or Manor Bowl. For adults, fashion accessories such as belts and handbags, full-sized body spray, bath and body kits, skin care products, and gift cards to retailers like Safeway, Target, Walgreens and gas stations.

Please bring new, unwrapped gifts to our administrative office, at 1395 Bancroft Avenue in San Leandro Monday through Friday, 9:00am to 5:00pm. This year’s gift donation deadline is Friday, December 18th.

For questions about holiday gift drive donations, contact Kaeleigh Thorp at 510 357-0205, ext. 205 or kthorp@bfwc.org. Tax-deductible monetary gifts are encouraged through our website

http://www.bfwc.org/donate.php or mailed to 1395 Bancroft Avenue, San Leandro, CA 94577.

Teen and adult volunteers are also sought to help us sort gifts December 19th and 20th, and wrap gifts Tuesday, December 22nd. To help, contact Lorie Curtis at 510 357-0205, ext. 206 or lcurtis@bfwc.org

365 days a year, Building Futures helps Alameda County individuals and families rebuild their lives after homelessness and family violence, through shelters, housing assistance, domestic violence intervention and community outreach. Please visit our website at www.bfwc.org.

Photo Caption: James Cobb of the Alameda County Fire Department and his wife Calisha brought holiday cheer last year.