Sunnyvale Community Services (SCS) and its big-hearted supporters lightened Santa’s sleigh and brought joy to 2,700 children and their families for the holidays. They are Sunnyvale families—clients of SCS—grateful to have food on the table, much less toys for their children.
“This is a time for sharing joy with our community. As food prices and rents remain high, many low-income families cannot afford to buy food and pay for housing. Holiday gifts are a luxury, and we hope to fill the need for joy and delight for local children,” said Marie Bernard, SCS executive director.
By invitation, SCS clients arrived at reserved times to select new toys for their children at the virtual North Pole at 1160 Kern Ave., Sunnyvale, on Dec. 13 through 16.
A quarter of the warehouse in the new 36,000-square-foot building SCS moved into in 2021, was transformed in a day from a food distribution center into a festive holiday center.
On Wednesday, Dec. 11, SCS distributed food from the warehouse to 1,582 families. Then, Thursday, the staff transformed the warehouse into the North Pole, which opened on Friday the 13th.
“Even the SCS staff was surprised at how festive it looked and that it came together in just a day,” said Cody Sampson, Food Nutrition Program Manager, taking his turn overseeing the toy store on Dec. 16, the last shopping day.
The warehouse was decorated with holiday trees and inflated gingerbread people, candy canes, the carrot-nosed cousin of Frosty the Snowman (who had a button nose) and Santa Claus. A penguin was sticking out of the top of a white igloo.
Families clutching toys posed for photos under an arch of clustered red, green, white and gold balloons. Some posed against a backdrop of blue and silver balloon clusters and holiday trees with wrapped packages beneath them.
Chief Program Officer David Hernandez and Community Engagement Manager Gabriel Jaurequi led the warehouse transformation team.
“Our dream was to create a winter wonderful holiday shopping experience for our families,” said Hernandez. “It has exceeded our expectations.”
“We wanted it to feel like a store and do everything with dignity and respect,” said Jaurequi.
Floor to ceiling at the North Pole were tables and tall shelving units laden with children’s toys, given by individuals, organizations, and corporations or purchased with donated funds.
Ten families entered every 15 minutes, each escorted by a volunteer to guide them to age-appropriate toys. Each child received two. Teens were eligible for gift cards. Twenty-seven children received Spin Master bicycles.
Sunnyvale resident Michelle Sullivan donated Mary Kay Cosmetics kits.
“I was amazed at all that people donated,” said Bernard.
“It looks so beautiful—like Christmas,” said SCS client Kenia Perez, shopping with her daughter, Marjory, nine, and son, Adam, two. “I’m excited for my kids.”
“It’s really nice,” said Marjory. “It’s a surprise. There are so many toys!”
Marjory chose a doll for herself. Adam clutched a cloth Spiderman as tall as he is.
“The looks on the kids’ faces bring tears to our eyes,” said Hernandez.
SCS Board member Elsbeth TeBrake, one of the shopping escorts on Dec. 16, was also moved.
“I love this event,” said TeBrake. “The best part is to enjoy a moment with clients and see how happy they are to pick something out for their children.”
Every toy will find a home. After the holiday store closes, the remaining toys will be distributed, for example, to a Sunnyvale homeless shelter.
It is the 54th year that the nonprofit SCS, founded in 1970, has provided gifts and holiday food for low-income Sunnyvale families. During COVID, gift cards only—no toys—were handed to families in their cars. In 2023, SCS hosted a December Wellness Fair.
“The outpouring of generosity is really remarkable to experience,” said Bernard. “It’s very poignant to see the happiness that a parent has in being able to give their child something fun and that they’ve been dreaming of.
“It doesn’t take a lot to bring joy to a child and their family,” continued Bernard.
And that’s priceless.
