The holiday season is upon us, and as we bask in the afterglow of Thanksgiving, it’s the perfect time to usher in the spirit of giving. At River Islands, we are excited to kick off our annual Giving Tree event, and this year, it’s even more heartwarming and festive than ever! From December 1st to December 16th, we are teaming up with the Lathrop/Manteca Fire Department to make Christmas dreams come true for children in need throughout the greater Lathrop community.

How to Participate:

Visit the Giving Tree: Starting on Friday, December 1st, take a stroll down to River Islands Welcome Center, and you’ll find our Giving Tree standing tall and proud. Each ornament on the tree represents a child’s unique Christmas wish. The River Islands Welcome Center is open daily from noon to 5 PM, and is located at 1401 River Islands Pkwy.

Pick an Ornament: Choose an ornament that resonates with you. Each one features a child’s name and special wish, ensuring their dreams are met this holiday season. Wishes can range from toys to clothing.

Wrap and Return: Take the ornament home and carefully select gifts that match the child’s wish. Wrap them beautifully, adding a personal touch that shows you care. Then, bring your wrapped gifts back to the Giving Tree by Monday, December 18th.

Santa’s Special Delivery: As Christmas approaches, our friends from the Lathrop/Manteca Fire Department, along with Santa and Mrs. Claus, will collect your wrapped gifts. They will make sure the gifts reach the children just before Christmas, filling their hearts with joy and warmth.

This season, the true magic of Christmas lies in coming together as a community, spreading love, and making a difference in the lives of those who may be going through a challenging time. Looking for more ways to give back this holiday season? Keep an eye out for information about our 365 Days of Giving Donation Day, and learn more about the year-round food drive here.

Tags: Children in need, Christmas spirit, River Islands, Christmas wishes, Gift donation, Holiday giving, Community giving, Giving Tree event, Lathrop/Manteca Fire Department, Holiday season joy