The season of giving is underway in Union City, and several businesses are doing their part to give back to the community.
From now through Dec. 16, Sleep Train Mattress Center will hold their annual toy drive for foster kids. Similar to the popular Toys 4 Tots campaign, Sleep Train’s toy drive invites community members to donate new, unwrapped toys for less fortunate children.
“Many children enter foster care just before the holidays with only the clothes on their backs and aren’t guaranteed to wake up with a gift under the tree,” the company said in a press release. “Whether it’s a new baby doll, a Lego set, art supplies, or even a gift card, these gifts can mean the world to a foster child.”
To encourage people to donate, Sleep Train is also hosting its Be a Secret Santa Photo Contest on Facebook. Snap a photo of yourself donating a gift at the mattress store and upload it to the contest page for a chance to win a new Kindle Fire HD or a pair of Tempur-Pedic slippers.
Union City’s Sleep Train store is located at 30791 Dyer St. at Union Landing.
“Tree of Hope” returns to Paddy’s
Paddy’s Coffee House is once again hosting the “Tree of Hope.”
Donated by Tri-CED Community Recycling, the Christmas tree and storefront serve as a drop off location for holiday donations.
The coffee shop is accepting donations of food, clothes, toys and cash. All items left at the base of the tree will be donated to Centro de Servicios, a Decoto-based non-profit organization that provides a variety of services to low-income Union City residents, including a food pantry and thrift shop.
Those with larger items, such as furniture, may leave a note on the tree with contact information and a representative from Centro will follow up to pick up the items. Donations are tax deductible.
The location also serves as a Toys for Tots drop-off site, as does the coffee shop’s next door neighbor, Comic and Figure Addicts. Both businesses will be collecting new, unwrapped toys through the holiday season.
For a list of local businesses participating in Toys for Tots, or to register your business as a drop-off site, visit the Toys for Tots website.
Operation Warrior’s Foundation collecting coats and blankets for veterans
It’s not just children who are in need. Many brave veterans are also struggling to get by. Enter Operation Warrior’s Foundation.
“Many of our veterans live on the streets or have tough financial hardships. Operation Warrior’s Foundation, Inc. was created to try to ease those burdens and help veterans from all eras to make it through these tough times,” foundation organizers said.
The group is accepting blankets and coats — new and used.
To make a donation, contact Mark or Charlene Jones at info info@OperationWarriorsFoundation.org or 510-984-1125.
Donation boxes can also be found at the Tri-City Army Recruiting Center at 39194 Paseo Padre Parkway in Fremont and the Tri-City Army Recruiting Center at 24780 Hesperian Blvd. in Hayward.
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