No parent should have to choose between putting food on the table and making sure their child feels the joy of receiving a gift during the holidays. Unfortunately, that’s the reality for many of the families we work with.

This holiday season, you can be the reason a family feels hope, warmth, and joy. Seneca has put together several toy drives and campaigns across California to help make the holidays brighter for children and families who are facing hardship. Here’s how you can make a difference: 

Southern California (Ends 12/19) – URGENTLY LOOKING FOR SUPPORT

We’ve worked with local youth to create an Amazon Wishlist with a wide range of presents for kids of all ages. For as little as $6, you can purchase a gift that will go directly to a Seneca youth in Southern California. 

Bay Area (Ends 12/31)

Seneca’s Joy Fund provides direct support to youth and families to make sure they can meet their essential needs during the holidays. With your donation, families will receive: 

• Grocery gift cards to ease food insecurity 
• Gas cards to help with transportation to work, school, and appointments 
• Gift cards for kids and teens who may otherwise go without presents 
• And more, tailored to each family’s unique needs 

Every contribution makes a difference. Will you help us spread joy this season? 

Central Coast (Ends 12/31) – UPDATE: ALL NEEDS MET! Thank you for your generosity.

Seneca recently opened a Crisis Stabilization Unit (CSU) in Monterey County, providing short-term care for youth experiencing mental health crises. This new program is filling a critical resource gap in the region. We’ve put together a special Amazon Wishlist for this facility, featuring games that foster comfort and therapeutic connection. For as little as $5, you can make a big difference for kids in some of their darkest moments. 

Central Coast: Monterey County Regional Fire Holiday Toy Drive (Ends 12/24)

We’ve also partnered with the Monterey County Regional Fire District once again to collect toys for youth who might otherwise go without gifts this holiday season. New and unwrapped toys can be dropped off at any of the following fire stations: 

• Toro Station 
  19900 Portola Drive 
  Salinas, California 93908 

• Chualar Station 
  24281 Washington Street 
  Chualar, California 93925 

• Laureles Station 
  31 Laureles Grade 
  Salinas, California 93908 

• Village Station 
  26 Via Contento 
  Carmel Valley, California 93924 

• Mid Valley Station 
  8455 Carmel Valley Rd. 
  Carmel, California 93923 

• Santa Lucia Preserve Station 
  121 Rancho San Carlos Rd. 
  Carmel, California 93923 

• East Garrison Station 
  13630 Sherman Blvd. 
  East Garrison, California 93933 

Thank you for your interest in supporting Seneca youth and families across California! For more information about how to make an impact this holiday season, please visit our Ways to Give page or email our Development Team.