Holiday Help for Those in Need

We in the Bay Area live in one of the most striking dichotomies in the country. Amidst San Francisco’s million dollar lofts and Hillsborough’s palatial estates, thousands go without meals or shelter every day. While this is one of the busiest urban regions in the nation, it is also one of the most compassionate and socially aware. So as we all prepare for the upcoming holiday season, many of us are also thinking of how we can help those less fortunate. For this week’s picks, we’ve highlighted a few of the many great non-profit organizations working to make sure everyone can enjoy a good meal and stay warm this holiday season.

• Second Harvest Food Bank

Serving San Mateo and Santa Clara Counties, Second Harvest provides nutritious food to those in need, as well as education on healthy eating. Get involved by volunteering time or donating food or money – Second Harvest puts 95 cents of every dollar directly toward outreach programs.

• Project Open Hand

This non-profit has been serving the Bay Area for more than two decades, providing hot food to seniors and critically ill, including meal delivery. They accept monetary donations, as well as donations through their many partnered groups, like Community Thrift in San Francisco’s Mission district, which designates proceeds of certain material donations to benefit Open Hand. Click here to check out the many ways to help.

Located right here in South City, this group serves the northern part of the peninsula, providing a variety of social services like emergency food rations and insurance education. NPNSC needs extra help around the holidays, as they provide holiday meals and toys to hundreds of local families in need.

• Grace Covenant Church

Another South City group, this church works with volunteers and Second Harvest Food Bank to provide an array of pantry items to all families and individuals who meet income qualifications. Holding an “Abundant Harvest” on the first Saturday of each month, they help ensure that local people in need get access to fresh produce and other food items. Volunteers and donations are always welcome.

• One Warm Coat

Food and toys are not the only things in demand this time of year. As the temperature drops, those without homes or the income to afford a good winter coat need extra help keeping warm. One Warm Coat has helped provide a bit of warmth to those in need for years, and coat drives are already in progress around the Bay Area. will host a coat drive beginning this Saturday, or drop new or gently worn coats to one of many stations in San Francisco that are already accepting donations.