From the queen's desk   

Twenty-three years ago I called our first children in need and said "Hi, my name is Jennifer. I am an Elf and work for Santa. What would you like him to bring you this year?"

Louis, a four year old, changed my life with his answer. All he said was "Pillows!" I thought my freshman knowledge of Spanish failed me and that I had misunderstood. But no, he wouldn't ask for a toy, just two pillows. The next day I called back and spoke to his grandmother. She explained that Louis wanted two pillows because his mother and sister slept on the floor. How selfless, how real, how caring. That year, we found him an elf (a donor), we actually found several, and in time for the holidays, Louis and his family had 4 new beds with pillows. We even provided several Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles as an added surprise!  

Over the years, as we've matured as an organization and faced different challenges along the way, the memory of that first fulfilled wish with Louis has never left me. He is not alone. There have been thousands of children whose wishes have touched my heart and 991,516 whose lives we've touched. This December, we will fulfill the wish of our millionth child!  What an amazing thing to be able to say!

How have you been a part of this important milestone? Have you made volunteering at the warehouse with your family or company an annual event? Do you and your family have a special tradition for choosing and fulfilling the wishes of local, low-income children?  Were you once a recipient of our services and now participate in a different capacity? Drop me an email and share your story, I'd love to hear from you! Even better, join the conversation on our Facebook Page and help us draw attention to this momentous occasion! 

Join us in spreading the word today! Children have already shared tens of thousands of holiday wishes with us. Like Louis, they are all looking for someone to be their Elf. Let's get all these wishes fulfilled! 

Thank you,

- Jennifer Cullenbine, Queen Elf 

Who says building blocks are only for boys?

The newest wishes to join the Family Giving Tree's massive database this season are geared towards girls looking to hone their play-skills in construction. Lego Friends, Mega Bloks Hello Kitty and Duplo Princess Castle are among the toys we've been asked to add by hundreds of children!

Along with these gender busting toys, we're seeing requests for new items such as the Angry Birds board game, Pillow Pets Dream Lites, and the Slushy Magic drink maker. Always on the lookout for deals? Our Top 20 list of requested gifts this year is a great resource for those "super shoppers"; ready to go when the sales start! 

Which toys will join the ranks of top performers like Tickle-Me Elmo and Zhu-Zhu Pets? Join us on Facebook and Twitter to stay updated!

Sponsorships Stretch Your Corporate Dollars 

During this year's Holiday Wish Drive, the Family Giving Tree will celebrate fulfilling the wish of our millionth child! What an extra special time to lend your corporate support through a sponsorship.

In addition to showing your support for the drive you will receive brand recognition and community goodwill. More importantly, thanks to generous discounts through our toy and gift vendors, the Elves can stretch your corporate sponsorships to help twice as many kids.

Please join SanDisk, our 2012 Holiday Wish Drive Presenting Sponsor, and be part of the millionth!

To learn about 2012 Holiday Wish Drive sponsorship, please contact the Development Office at 408-946-3111 x224. 

It's that time of year again!

The Elves are looking for help preparing for our Holiday Wish Drive. We'll need volunteers in our office throughout the next two months, assisting with sorting, stapling and organizing collateral material.

Individuals looking to donate their time should contact Shannon, FGT Volunteer Outreach Coordinator, for information about volunteering in October and November. Call (408) 946-3111 Ext. 214 or email volunteers@familygivingtree.org. 

The Elves are excited to fulfill the wish of their one millionth child this holiday season, but we need you to help make that happen!

Supporters looking to lead a drive can register online for wish cards that include the name and unique wishes of local children, homeless individuals and special needs adults.

We will mail these cards to you during the first week of November. Wish cards can be posted where you work, at your gym, dentist's office, church or anywhere people want to be part of making this holiday season brighter for the entire community. Give wish cards to family members, book clubs, scout troops and anyone who would like to shop to fulfill that child's wish. The final step is to collect the gifts and bring them to our warehouse by December 11th.

To meet our goal of fulfilling 70,000 wishes, we need YOU to lead a drive. We even have an online Virtual Giving Tree for those who want to participate but don't have time to shop! 

Please sign up today! Call Dawn at 408-946-3111 x 226, or email Dawn@FamilyGivingTree.org with any questions.

The Family Giving Tree is proud to partner with the San Jose State University Spartan Football team during their home game against Texas State on Saturday, October 27th.

Family Giving Tree supporters, friends, and family are invited to join us for the 1pm game OR to purchase tickets to give an opportunity to low- income children to attend the game. A percent of all ticket sales goes to support the Family Giving Tree's Holiday Wish Drive! To purchase a ticket for you, friends, and family (for the low price of $13) please follow this link and enter the password: SPARTANS. To purchase a ticket for a child who would not be able to attend otherwise, please call Melissa Tinsley at 408-924-1246.

Attendees are also encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped, $20 to $30 priced gift to the game to donate to the Family Giving Tree's Holiday Wish Drive with a chance to win great prizes for every gift donated.

Click here for more information about the event. We look forward to seeing you at the game - Go Spartans!

Looking for more opportunities to donate your time? Become an Angel Elf!

Join the Family Giving Tree staff, board members, and current Angel Elves next week, on Tuesday, October 23rd from 5:30-8pm to celebrate the success of our 2012 Back to School Drive. You will also learn how you can contribute to the new and exciting details of the upcoming Holiday Wish Drive by joining the official ranks of our elite Angel Elf corps.

In addition to treating our most dedicated volunteers to a delicious dinner, in true Family Giving Tree fashion, we welcome you to judge our always-entertaining dessert competition.

If you are able to join us, please register now. Feel free to bring friends and family interested in becoming part of the Family Giving Tree volunteer family...all are welcome!