This December marks the 50th year that North Marin Community Services (NMCS) brings the magic of the holidays to low-income children in North Marin – and they invite you to participate. On Dec.17, the organization will serve 400+ children from low-income families at their 50th Annual Holiday Share and Toy Drive. Children will receive gifts including toys, bikes, clothing, and gift cards, all donated by generous individuals, businesses, and organizations. Community members can make holiday wishes come true for local families by buying gifts from a child’s wish list (found on the organization’s website, www.northmarincs.org).
The first Holiday Share took place in 1972 when the founders of the Novato Human Needs Center wanted to help brighten the holidays for their underserved neighbors. Volunteers initially worked out of a garage collecting and distributing holiday gifts and food. As the organization grew and evolved, Holiday Share remained an important part of its annual programming. And when Novato Human Needs Center merged with Novato Youth Center in 2018 to form North Marin Community Services, the program continued on.
“Helping community members in need is at the heart of who we are as an organization,” says CEO Cheryl Paddack, formerly the Executive Director of Novato Youth Center. Last year, the program served 468 children from 226 low-income families.
The need for safety-net services increased drastically during the pandemic, and North Marin Community Services responded by expanding its basic needs supports including emergency rental assistance, food distribution through its weekly food pantry, and mental health care services. The organization served 10,579 people in its 2021-22 fiscal year.
Holiday Share will be a drive-through event for the third year in a row. Santa and Mrs. Claus, staff, and volunteers will greet the families and pass out gifts. The event is truly a community collaboration. Community and business partners include Novato Fire District, Novato Fire Foundation, Novato Police Department, Presbyterian Church of Novato, local Rotary Clubs, Novato Lions Club, Sonoma Marin Area Rail Transit (SMART), Life Science Cares, Redwood Credit Union, and Ultragenyx.
Community members are encouraged to participate by purchasing gifts from a child’s wish list or signing up to volunteer at the event (available at www.northmarincs.org). People can also contribute by sending Target gift cards at $25 and $50 values to North Marin Community Services, Attn: Holiday Share, 680 Wilson Ave, Novato, CA 94947.
About North Marin Community Services: NMCS’ mission is to empower youth, adults and families in our diverse community to achieve well-being, growth and success. EIN: 94-1735064.
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