This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Community Corner

Family Giving Tree's Millionth Gift Received, Wrapped By Milpitas Volunteers

In December, Milpitas volunteers worked to sort and wrap gifts for the Family Giving Tree's 23rd Annual Holiday Wish Drive.

Around 20 Milpitas Rotarians including President Mark Tiernan were among the several dozen volunteers who gathered Monday evening, December 17, to sort and wrap gifts for the Family Giving Tree's 23rd Annual Holiday Wish Drive. 

The week before on Monday, December 10, Family Giving Tree held a two-hour ribbon cutting and reception marking their one millionth gift milestone at their Cupertino former HP warehouse for 300 volunteers, supporters, major donors, staff, and dignitaries.

This time Queen Elf Jennifer Cullenbine and her co-founder Todd Yoshida were in hand at the warehouse with volunteers and staff to observe reaching their millionth child on that day. Everyone took a break and assembled near Jennifer and Todd on their decorated stage.

Find out what's happening in Milpitaswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

A balloon parade led by Princess Elf Kinsey Cullenbine started the affair followed by a large balloon and confetti drop over the audience. After comments from the celebrants, the event wrapped up with Christmas carols performed by a choir of talented members. 

The Family Giving Tree began in 1990 as a Masters Degree project at San Jose State University for the two founders. They hoped to provide 300 children in East Palo Alto then with holiday gifts. This year 70,000 children are expected to have their wishes granted.

Find out what's happening in Milpitaswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?