Brighter Christmas of Tracy

Brighter Christmas of Tracy provides toys and resources to low-income families in the area.

Back in the 1970s, Gene Birk delivered some simple toys to a Tracy family whose house was recently lost in a fire. Seeing the joy on the face of the family’s little girl, he was moved to start Brighter Christmas of Tracy. Decades later, this organization continues to deliver toys, books, food, and other resources to more than 600 families and 1,250 children annually.

Brighter Christmas of Tracy is sustained by a multitude of volunteers and private donations. Ninety-seven percent of all the money fundraised goes toward purchasing groceries and new toys. Some donors opt instead to support the organization’s scholarship fund. This fund provides college money to high school seniors that have volunteered with Brighter Christmas of Tracy for three years or longer.

If you wish to volunteer with this organization, you can make contact through the official website or via email. Volunteer trainings happen every October. If you want to be a donor, you can visit the Angel Tree at Tracy’s West Valley Mall, which lists all of the families in need, and pick up a toy while you’re already shopping and gift it to a child who would otherwise go without. Lastly, financial donations are accepted and welcome.

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