The FAN Kindness Movement at Da Vinci Connect is partnering with Sandpipers, an organization dedicated to serving the needs of the South Bay community through charitable and philanthropic programs for 88 years. This holiday season, there are three exciting ways (and two rounds of giving opportunities) for you and your family to help others in our community, and to also help various agencies such as Trinity Healthcare, Harbor Interfaith, Meals-on-Wheels, Project New Hope, Project Needs, Mychal’s Learning Place, and many more!
1st round 11/20 to 11/30:
1. Holiday Homes Tour – A virtual tour of some beautiful South Bay homes featuring local, small businesses. This fun event makes our Holiday Baskets (see below) and Back-to-School shopping events for kids in need possible!
How to participate: You can purchase a ticket for the tour or a South Bay Dining Card for discounts at local businesses all over the South Bay. There is also a VIP Package that includes both the ticket, the dining card, and a special charcuterie board discount from GROW Market ($10-$15 savings). There are 3 ticket options for 2020, tickets are available by e-mailing Da Vinci Connect parents and Sandpiper members, Beth Griffin (bethgriffin07@gmail.com) or Julie Guthrie (julie@synergiept.com):
Holiday Homes Tour Ticket Presale: $30
Holiday Homes Tour Ticket Starting December 1st: $35
South Bay Dining Discount Card (locals): $30
VIP Holiday Bundle (locals): Includes Holiday Homes Tour Ticket, South Bay Dining Discount Card, and 15% off Charcuterie Board from GROW: $50
Deadlines/Links: $30 tickets go up to $35 on December 1st!
2. The Sugarplum Program
The Sandpipers’ Sugarplum Program is gathering 1,500 gifts for children in foster care. These gifts, provided by the generous donations of organizations, and individuals just like you, are often the only gift that these children receive.
How to participate: Visit this Amazon wish list to send a gift! Please make sure to click the “shop to address” as ‘Sugarplum DCFS’s Gift Registry.’
Deadline: November 30, 2020
2nd round 12/12 to 12/22:
The Holiday Basket Program
Last year 110 South Bay Families received “baskets” thanks to the generous donations of individuals (many of them DV Connect families) and businesses. This program goes beyond toys and gifts, and provides home essentials like cleaning products, a coffee maker or crock pot, diapers, food or grocery store gift cards, and personal care essentials. Everyone in the family receives some new clothes, shoes, pajamas, school supplies, books, and of course for the kids, TOYS, as well. The thing that we love about this is that we get a dossier for the family, and we get to shop for them specifically, knowing their favorite colors, the kiddos’ favorite characters, etc. In many cases this is the only time of year that these parents/care givers are given any gifts or anything new for themselves. As parents, we always put our kids first, so this is a great way for them to get something for themselves.
There are three ways to participate:
1. We will have TWO families we can shop for and purchase specifically for them – this will include gift cards to Target, Game Stop, Amazon, etc., and new pajamas/slippers, etc. We will have the family dossiers around 11/18 and will update specifically at that time.
2. Shop through the general wishlist to contribute items that all families will receive here.
3. Make a financial donation here.
Thank you so very much for participating and for sharing the spirit of giving this holiday season! Giving is a gift we give ourselves and is such a wonderful gift that we can share with our children. ️
*Please reach out to Kaitlin directly if your family is in need of assistance this holiday! Your Da Vinci Connect community is here to support you.