3 Local Nonprofits to Consider Supporting This Holiday Season
3 Local Nonprofits to Consider Supporting This Holiday Season
We’re grateful for our wonderful East Bay community, and there are so many local organizations that need support…especially during the holidays. In the spirit of giving, we thought we’d share a few of our favorites. Keep reading to see how you can get involved, or help spread the word to anyone interested in helping charitable causes this season.
And, as always, if there’s anything we can do to support you through the remainder of the year, please give us a call. We’re always here to help.
THE NONPROFITS WE SUPPORT
DELANCEY STREET TREES
Location: Five locations throughout the San Francisco Bay Area
Years in Service: 52
Who They’re Helping: Individuals with a history of incarceration, addiction and homelessness who are seeking housing, education, training, and job placement
What They’re All About: Founded in 1971, the Delancey Street Foundation has been transforming lives for over five decades. The foundation serves individuals with a history of incarceration, addiction, and homelessness and is dedicated to those seeking a second chance at life through comprehensive rehabilitation and vocational training. Their unique approach to rehabilitation focuses on a therapeutic community model—referring to residents as "family members" who live and work together, supporting each other through a structured and self-governing environment. The foundation believes in the potential for positive change in every individual and offers a holistic program that includes education, vocational training, counseling, and community living. Their annual Delancey Street Trees program hosts 5 urban tree lots across the Bay Area, where the public can purchase Christmas trees, living potted pines, decorated wreaths, mistletoe, indoor tree lights, water bowls, and more. The beloved tradition provides real-time work experience and training for many Delancey Street residents.
Why We Love Them: For many years, this has been our go-to spot for Christmas trees.
How You Can Support: Purchase your Christmas tree from one of Delancey Street’s locations. The revenue generated from tree sales directly contributes to the foundation's rehabilitation and vocational training programs. While the Delancey Street Foundation receives the majority of its donations from both businesses and private donors, you can still get involved by volunteering your time or making a monetary donation to support the foundation's various programs. Your contribution can help individuals on their journey to rehabilitation and successful reintegration into society.
BERKELEY-EAST BAY HUMANE SOCIETY
Location: Berkeley
Years in Service: 96
Who They’re Helping: Pets in need of homes
What They’re All About: Founded in 1927, the Berkeley-East Bay Humane Society has been advocating for and rescuing animals for nearly a century. Dedicated to the welfare of animals, they provide shelter, medical care, and adoption services for unhoused pets – regardless of age, health, or temperament. They also offer educational programs to promote responsible pet ownership.
Why We Love Them: The best animal adoption center in the East Bay, we’ve been supporting the humane society for years.
How You Can Support: Consider adopting a pet and giving a loving home to a deserving animal. Monetary donations are always appreciated since Berkeley Humane relies on the public’s generosity to fund their life-saving efforts, and there are many ways you can make a contribution. You can help support the society’s onsite vet hospital or sponsor a shelter animal’s cost of care. They’re also always looking for volunteers who help with everything from dog walking to bottle feeding baby kittens.
FIREHOUSE ART COLLECTIVE
Location: Berkeley, Oakland, and Emeryville
Years in Service: 19
Who They’re Helping: Local artists
What They’re All About: Fostering creativity since 2004, Firehouse Art Collective provides spaces for artistic expression and community engagement. Its original 10 members met at art college and wanted to create a studio space run by artists, for artists. The community-based project now provides shared studio spaces in Berkeley, Oakland, and Emeryville where artists can create, display, and sell their work. The collective hosts exhibitions, performances, and workshops to showcase and celebrate the diverse talents within the community. Their goal is to make art accessible to everyone and create a supportive environment for artists to thrive.
Why We Love Them: Director Tom Franco introduced us to the local artists we feature in our staging through this nonprofit.
How You Can Support: Join FAC’s mission by visiting the studios, attending events (art exhibitions, performances, workshops), and spreading the word. You can also support the organization by renting studio space, attending fundraising events, or making a donation to help sustain their efforts in promoting local art and culture.
