While Santa Clara County residents may be celebrating the holiday season, with some of the worst effects of the pandemic fading from view, thousands are still facing hunger and financial insecurity across the expensive region.
Sacred Heart has seen an influx of children and adults alike as they cling on to hope in the middle of the pandemic. It s really hard because there s not too much work, because of COVID and its really tough right now, said 11-year-old Helthon Tumalani.
In addition, there s also the often overlooked mental and emotional impact. Its a lot of stress and desperation, San Jose resident Margarita told NBC Bay Area as she explained that it was a lot of stress for her and her family to find out she had been laid off from work.
Demone Carter from Sacred Heart Community Services Agency said the pandemic made a bad situation worse.
Bay Area charities see sharp increase in need this holiday season but also uptick in generosity
By Sharon Song
OAKLAND, Calif. - Bay Area charities have been making adjustments during the holiday season of giving, as the pandemic has led to changes in the way they operate amid increased need in the community.
CityTeam partnered with the Sharks Foundation and SAP for a toy and food distribution at Ace Esperanza School in San Jose on Dec. 15, 2020.
Due to safety protocols, annual toy giveaway events have been reimagined. Many groups encouraged people to consider gift cards for donations. Some have turned toy-giveaways into outdoor events and drive-throughs, where families can pick-up toys for their children.