As the holiday season approaches, many families in Marin are struggling to make ends meet. With the help of generous community members, North Marin Community Service’s (NMCS) Holiday Share and Toy Drive will make the holidays a little brighter for more than 300 children and their families.

Now in its 53rd year, Holiday Share helps local families facing financial hardship celebrate the season. Participating children share wish lists featuring toys, books, art supplies, clothes, and gift cards—items that bring both joy to children and relief to parents during a difficult time.

The event culminates in a festive celebration where families pick up gifts and enjoy holiday activities including ornament decorating, story time, and photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Holiday Share is made possible by the generosity of local residents, businesses, and organizations. Community members can make a difference by:

• Purchasing gifts from a child’s wish list at www.northmarincs.org

• Donating $25 or $50 gift cards for teens (Target, Ross, Amazon)

• Volunteering to help collect, sort, and distribute gifts in early December.

Local partners also play a vital role. The Novato Fire Foundation provides bicycles for children each year, and, for the third year in a row, The Game Fortress will deliver a stuffed animal for each participating child. Other supporters include FP Builders/Puliafico Family, Novato Fire District, Novato Unified School District, Rotary Club of Ignacio, Life Science Cares, Redwood Credit Union, The Women’s Club of Marin, Delta Kappa Gamma/Gamma Tau Chapter, and photographer Mari Avedano, along with many generous community members.

“There is a lot of uncertainty for under-resourced community members right now,” said Cheryl Paddack, CEO of North Marin Community Services. “These gifts help ease one of the many stressors families face during the holidays and ensure that every child experiences the joy of the season.”