Suggested items include stuffed animals, games, puzzles and tops, as well as baby toys and clothing. Adding that most of the gift recipients are homebound seniors, she said seniors especially like note cards that come in packages for writing short letters.
In addition to gifts, Durling needs volunteers to deliver them. She wants people who have their own cars and can spend a little time chatting with the recipients.
“It’s a wonderful things for families to do,” she said, a way for kids to learn about the mitzvah of tzedakah.
The delivery area encompasses Fremont to Richmond and as far east as Walnut Creek. Interested volunteers should call Durling by Saturday, Nov. 30.
She also hopes to get school children involved in decorating the paper bags the gifts will be packed in.
JFCS will host a party for Russian emigres Monday, Dec. 9. Volunteers will wrap presents at 1 p.m. The party will follow later in the day.
Jewish Community Services of Oakland and Piedmont will wrap the presents collected at 1 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 1. A Chanukah celebration will follow at 412 Monte Vista Ave., Oakland.
Other sponsors of the drive are Volunteer Action Center of the Jewish Federation of the Greater East Bay, Jewish Community Services for Oakland and Piedmont, B’nai B’rith, Berkeley Richmond Jewish Community Center and Contra Costa Jewish Community Center.
Drop-off locations are the following:
Afikomen, 3042 Claremont Ave., Berkeley; BRJCC, 1414 Walnut St., Berkeley; CCJCC, 2071 Tice Valley Blvd., Walnut Creek; Jewish Community Services, 412 Monte Vista, Oakland; JFCS of the East Bay, 2484 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley: Jewish Federation of the Greater East Bay, 401 Grand Ave., Oakland; L’Chaim!, 536 San Ramon Valley Blvd., Danville; and Temple Beth Torah, 42000 Paseo Padre Parkway, Fremont.
Deadline is Wednesday, Nov. 27. For information, call Durling at (510) 704-7475.