Annual holiday gift drives have been a long-held tradition for many San Mateo County agencies but COVID-19 safety concerns have complicated gift collections while compounding community needs this time of year.
Some organizations have seen overwhelming generosity like the nonprofit Samaritan House and a multi-agency drive between county and Redwood City departments. But others have struggled to collect enough donations to meet the demand of families in need, including the Central County Fire Department, San Mateo Consolidated Fire Department and the mental health nonprofit StarVista.Â
âThis year is a lot different. Itâs been pretty challenging drumming up enough donations to meet the need,â said Melissa Guariglia, department director with StarVista. âPeople love the spirit of the holidays and giving gifts because thereâs something about that that feels rewarding knowing a child will play with that gift.âÂ