Charles Dickens wrote in his immortal Christmas Carol that Christmas was the time of year when “Want is keenly felt, and Abundance rejoices.” For 42 years, Santa Clara Soroptimists’ (SISCSV) Christmas store has helped local families in need share the holiday abundance: a holiday store where the merchandise is free, and no member of the family is forgotten.
“It is commendable that Soroptimists focus on the whole family and not just the children,” said Kim Tucker, parent involvement facilitator at Santa Clara Unified School District, which recommended the families.
This year’s store was the largest ever, according to Soroptimists president Julie Babcock.
“We have increased membership and bigger giving back programs,” said Babcock. “Members worked hard to shop for these families. It’s not only a commitment but a passion.”
On Dec. 7, customers were up early to “shop.” Soroptimists stock the store using contributions and funds raised by the service club’s annual Classy Bag Affaire. The store is staffed by Soroptimist members, as well as volunteers and donors.
This year, 125 families – and 325 children – went shopping at the Wilson Education Center in Santa Clara. In addition to gifts for each member of the family, shoppers went home with mini appliances, $50 gift cards, blankets, comforter covers, clothes, winter jackets, dental hygiene packages (donated by local dentists) and first aid kits.
The event is also a family affair for the volunteers.
“My whole family is here helping: my husband, daughter, daughter-in-law and grandkids,” said Kim Tucker, Soroptimist member and co-chair of next year’s store. “We salute SISCSV’s commitment to helping the underprivileged, especially at this time of the year. This is part of my giving back to the community”.
“It warms my heart to see needy families smile when they receive gifts. I hope we made their lives a little bit easier this holiday,” said event co-chair Marilee Dunn.
The Soroptimists’ “The Classy Bag Affaire” will be on April 26, 2025, at the Santa Clara Marriott. For more information about Soroptimists International Santa Clara and Silicon Valley, visit https://siscsv.com/ call 408-838-5254 or email siscsv1@gmail.com.
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