Pleasanton 'Giving Tree' Is Back To Serve Kids In Need This Year

PLEASANTON, CA — A Pleasanton family is again stepping up to create a holiday season "giving tree" to connect Tri-Valley families in need with donors who can provide gifts.

Leah Giles said her family planned to make the tree a holiday tradition after they were able to provide gifts for 35 families last year by placing a small Christmas tree — dubbed the "giving tree" — in their front yard. Visitors were encouraged to fill out a form with information about their request or willingness to adopt a family.

The giving tree project is back and better than ever this year and has gone digital to make it easier on participants. Sign up to adopt a family for $25 to $50 or to nominate a family online.

But if you want the authentic, in-person giving tree experience, you can still drive by the family giving tree on East Angela Street, whip out your smart phone's camera app, scan the QR codes hanging from the tree and adopt or nominate a family. Look for the tiny tree and big "family giving tree" sign.

Giles, a doula by trade, said taking care of people is her job and passion.

The idea was born as a result of the pandemic and during a financially challenging time for many in the Tri-Valley and across the world. Giles said her family was not able to support a child through her twins' elementary school, which was closed.

Giles hopes that continuing the giving tree tradition will help teach her three kids the magic of giving and supporting their community.

"It’s so heartwarming to bring neighbors, family, friends, strangers and co-workers together with the common goal of being generous and kind," she said in an email.

See more:

• Pleasanton 'Giving Tree' Brings Gifts To Tri-Valley Kids In Need
• Pleasanton Holiday Event Guide 2021: Christmas Parades & Santa