Giving Hope Holiday Program is celebrating its 20th year 

For 20 years, the Fremont community has come together to bring cheer to those in need at the holidays through the City of Fremont Human Services Department Giving Hope Program. This program invites members of the community to help families, seniors, and seniors with pet companions in need by sponsoring a wish list or making a donation. In 2018 alone, the community came together to help 310 individuals and 45 companion animals by bringing in over $104,000 worth of gifts and financial donations. This was possible due to the generosity of the Fremont community. We invite you to join us in spreading holiday cheer.

Giving Hope is a reminder that our community cares!

Giving Hope helps raise the spirits of its neighbors in need by providing gifts from a personalized wish list and grocery cards to children, seniors, and families who are struggling. Low-income seniors with pets also receive supplies and treats for beloved companions. Children and students supported by the program receive the learning supplies they need to succeed. By shopping for a personalized wish list, you show your neighbors in need you care.

Are you ready to shop? 

If you like to shop, contact Jane O’Hollaren at the City of Fremont’s Family Resource Center and you will be provided with the personalized wish list of a family, senior, or senior with pet companion. Then purchase gifts, including a grocery gift card, and return all the items to the City of Fremont’s drop off spots by December 13, 2019. Please plan to spend $100 per individual on the list.

Not a Shopper? 

If you’re not a shopper yet still want to help, you can make a financial contribution. Contributions are used to buy gifts for wish lists without a sponsor. After the holidays, we apply money not spent on gifts to the Human Service Department’s urgent needs fund. This flexible funding allows us to help with critical needs our clients may be facing all year long, which are not covered under governmental program guidelines. In the past, these funds helped in many ways, for example: 

• Providing a grocery gift card to a family in which the sole breadwinner has recently lost their job
• Acquiring transportation vouchers for a mother and child who need to get to urgent medical care
• Placing a homeless family into a hotel while a care manager negotiates space in a shelter for them
• Purchasing necessary medication or medical equipment for a senior whose fixed income just wouldn’t stretch

Donations to Giving Hope are deductible to the extent allowable. The City of Fremont's Tax ID Number is 94-6027361. In January, the City of Fremont will send letters of gratitude acknowledging all donations. Make a financial contribution through our secure website.

Please contact Paula Manczuk-Hannay, Development Officer, for more information about Giving Hope or other ways you can help those served by the City of Fremont Human Services Department. Paula can be reached at 510-574-2049 or email.