Holiday Heroes - Donation Drive

October 5 — December 15, 2024

United Way of Tulare County is thrilled to announce our annual Holiday Hero Christmas Drive, aimed at uplifting local low-income families and foster care teens who face hardships during the holidays. We invite local businesses and community leaders to join us as partners in this impactful initiative to bring joy and support this season.

About the Holiday Hero Campaign: 

For many families in our community, the holiday season can bring financial strain, making it hard to afford gifts or festive meals. Foster care teens face unique challenges, often feeling marginalized and forgotten.

Each year, United Way of Tulare County collaborates with Tulare County Child Welfare Services and local school districts to brighten the holiday season for those in need. The campaign concludes with a special event on December 24th at El Rosal Restaurant in Visalia.

Become a Hero Today!

 

The Holiday Hero Campaign operates in two ways: 

  1. Sponsoring Low-Income Families: In partnership with local school districts, we identify families who need support during the holidays.  Local businesses and individuals can sponsor these families, either by sponsoring an entire family or contributing a donation where United Way staff can purchase gift(s) on behalf of the sponsor. 

  2. Sponsoring (ATF Prohibited) Gift Cards for Foster Care Teens: Through our partnership with Tulare County Child Welfare Services, we identify foster teens who need special attention and support during the holidays.  Businesses or individuals can also contribute by sponsoring these teens with donations that will go toward (ATF-prohibited) gift cards so they can buy items with dignity.  This helps to ensure that foster teens receive the care and joy they deserve.

We are also partnering with Local Downtown associations and Chambers of Commerce.  This collaboration is designed to encourage shopping locally for wish list gifts.  By directing our support to local businesses, we not only provide for those in need but also boost our community’s economy. 


Primary Goals: 

Many low-income families and foster teens feel marginalized and forgotten.  Your sponsorship will help them feel valued and included, reinforcing the spirit of community and care. 

  • Low-Income Families: Through this gift, we aim to fulfill the wish lists of 70 families. 

  • Foster Teens: We aim to provide 280 foster teens with $25.00 gift cards to purchase essential items with dignity. 

  • Supporting Local Businesses: By directing resources to local businesses, your sponsorship will also contribute to the economic health of our community, fostering a sense of togetherness and local pride.


Hero Partners: