Every family deserves to share in the joy of the season without having to choose between holiday cheer and a warm meal or safe place to sleep. Dignity goes beyond the essentials, and for many individuals and families struggling, this jolly season can often be a difficult time. Join your neighbors during this special time of year by supporting our toy drive, running your own drive, participating in Family & Senior Sharing, and more.

Support Our Toy & Gift Card Drive

We are excited to spread cheer again this year at a toy and gift card drive in early December. Help us ensure we have enough toys for children and gift cards for teens by contributing to our virtual holiday drive.
Link: https://www.roonga.com/samaritanhouseholiday2022.

Run a Drive

We welcome schools, community groups, and businesses to arrange their own drives for the following items.

  • Thanksgiving and Winter Food
  • Toys for children
  • New children/teen winter coats
  •  + any items from our Urgently Needed Items list

If you are interested in running a drive, please contact donationdrives@samaritanhousesanmateo.org to get started.

Note that Samaritan House cannot accept any toys at Pacific Blvd due to limited storage and parking lot use for other deliveries. We ask that donors help us streamline toy donations through the virtual drive instead. If you already purchased new toys you are interested in donating to us, please note that we are working with the Hillsdale Mall Giving Tree this year and any donations dropped off between November 25th and December 14th will be given to us and distributed at our event.

Family and Senior Sharing Program

The Family and Senior Sharing Program provides a wonderful opportunity for individuals, families, businesses and groups to provide personalized holiday food and gifts to low-income families and seniors.

Volunteer

We are anticipating increased need for Mobile Meals and Grocery Rescue drivers and have limited spots to offer for in-person support at our holiday events. Please reach out to volunteering@samaritanhousesanmateo.org with your availability and area of interest.