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Being the community's Secret Santa coordinator isn't the easiest role at holiday time, but it's a role Volunteer Hayward is willing and able to do — even when times are tough.
"Our job is to find volunteers and resources in the community," said Donna Fitzwater, director of the nonprofit, which receives year-round support from more than 800 volunteers.
For the past 11 years, Volunteer Hayward, a Share the Spirit recipient, has organized a holiday adopt-a-family program that pairs donors and families in need. In 2008, the effort provided gifts to 102 families — including 303 children, 129 adults, 28 seniors, and even family pets.
"We have about 150 volunteers who serve as elves, which is great,"
The annual program starts in October, when staff with the city and with the Hayward Area Recreation and Park District identify, screen, select and refer low-income families to Volunteer Hayward for assistance. Other recipients are referred by groups including the Matt Jimenez Community Center, in Hayward, and the Ashland Community Center, in San Leandro.
In addition to low-income families, Volunteer Hayward provides donations to those with physical disabilities and mental health issues.
"And we are also very focused on supporting seniors, many of whom are still taking care of family members," Fitzwater said. "We've been asked
But the list of people the nonprofit serves goes on and on.
"Then there's a father raising three kids, ages 13, 14 and 15," Fitzwater said. "He's been a tamale vendor and has no job. And there are cases with fathers that have had heart surgery, for instance, and need some financial support while they recuperate."
To serve as many community members as possible, Volunteer Hayward's holiday program incorporates coats, toys and clothing collected by local schools and other groups. It also receives financial donations for its efforts.
A coat drive last Saturday at Castro Valley High School netted about 100 coats, and students are planning another drive this Saturday at the school.
"This is a good opportunity to help the community and the school," said Joon Joung, 16, president of the school's Teens Reach Out club, which coordinated the drive. "The first collection day went well, and we hope the second event will be even better."
Other volunteers are from Pleasanton-based Blackhawk Network, Chubb Insurance of San Ramon, staff with the cities of Hayward and Pleasanton, and Enterprise-Rent-A-Car.
"We are really hopeful about what we can do this year," Fitzwater said, "but it is heartbreaking when funding and donations are down."
Still, there is one silver lining with the economic downturn.
"The number of volunteers is increasing," she said, "because people out of work are eager to keep active."
The Share the Spirit campaign, sponsored by Bay Area Newspaper Group, benefits nonprofit agencies in Alameda and Contra Costa counties. Readers who wish to help can clip the coupon accompanying this story and send it to the address printed on it. The Volunteer Center of the East Bay administers the fund. Readers with questions and corporations interested in making large contributions may contact the Volunteer Center of the East Bay at 925-472-5760.
