As the holiday season approaches, the spirit of giving comes alive. Communities come together through acts of kindness, donations, and volunteering to spread joy and warmth. Here are some programs in Walnut Creek that are changing the lives of others all year long.
Firefighters Assemble Christmas Joy
When you think about first responders, most think of the brave individuals who show up when you call 911. However, the act of serving is deeply ingrained in their hearts, giving far beyond their scheduled shifts. Each year, the United Professional Firefighters of Contra Costa County, Local 1230 members, donate money and time to benefit many charities in the area. One program started more than 20 years ago at a fire station, but it has now grown to what Captain Chris Toler calls a year-round operation to deliver hundreds of new bikes to kids.
Each year, the Bikes for Tykes team hosts fundraising events throughout the county to raise money to purchase new bicycles. They connect with non-profits, shelters, and community programs to deliver new rides to underserved youth.
"We fundraise all year," says Toler, Local 1230 Vice President and charity coordinator.
"Along with setting up booths at just about any community event we can, we host a golf tournament, participate in the Walnut Creek Walnut Festival, Lafayette Art & Wine Festival, and partner with St. Francis of Assisi for a build-a-bike fundraiser."
Toler's team then works with local businesses to get discounted bulk pricing to purchase the bikes.
The whole year's efforts culminate a couple of weeks before Christmas when bikes are delivered to fire stations, where firefighters assemble them for delivery.
"All of our work is done via word of mouth," says Toler.
To contribute, visit Contracostafirefighters.org/supported-charities
Unleashing Holiday Happiness
Joybound People & Pets (formerly ARF) has spent three decades transforming lives, one wagging tail and purring bundle of joy at a time. With more than 51,000 adoptions, this renowned organization has purr-fected the art of creating lasting connections by nurturing the bond that forms when pets and their people come together.
The magic lies in their multifaceted approach to animal wellness, going far beyond the typical rescue and adoption model. They are dedicated to human-animal connection through diverse programs, including training, veterinary, supply assistance for pet owners in need, therapy and service-animal programs, and even a grooming academy that equips students while providing affordable grooming for the community.
This holiday season, their wish list is simple: love, joy, and the chance to change a life. Every dollar donated supports programs like the FoodShare pantry, where they supply pet food to help keep pets fed and with their families.
Visitors are invited to 2890 Mitchell Drive seven days a week, from 12:00-6:00 p.m., to meet remarkable companion animals ready to find new homes, browse the holiday boutique for unique pet gifts, and explore the Giving Tree.
Growing Hope
With 1 in 36 children diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder annually, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and 1.4 million children set to age out of existing programs in the coming years, families are increasingly anxious about their futures.
Walnut Creek natives Pamela Hale Mitchel and Jeanine Stanley were so passionate about providing essential services for these families that they created B Walker Ranch, now with a rooted expansion into Suisun Valley. Pamela has witnessed families struggling across our community. Her personal connection to the issue is profound, growing up with a special-needs brother who's now 61. In 2010, she and Jeanine recognized the gap in support for individuals with autism once they turn 22 and age out of programs.
B Walker Ranch aims to empower adults with autism to learn new skills—to plant a seed, watch it grow, and harvest a sense of purpose while giving their caretakers a sense of security, knowing they are safe and cared for. With animals, farming, art, and occupational therapy, the ranch provides space for members to gain meaning and purpose in their lives.
Visit Bwalkerranch.org for information or to donate, and join them in December for the Suisun Valley Tractor Crawl.