Many of our neighbors are struggling with food insecurity, along with housing affordability and availability issues making putting gifts under the tree a struggle this Christmas. Our local food banks are always in need during this time of year, and Berkeley Hills Realty invites you to join us in helping fill the pantries while also filling your heart knowing you can help a person or family enjoy a full meal during the holidays.
Berkeley Hills Realty created a #REKindness program to spread the spirit of kindness and generosity to the communities we serve by helping numerous charities, schools and community programs.
As we approach the end of the year, we hope you will join us as we celebrate our East Bay community in traditional fun things to do like the carousel at Tilden Park and seeing the lights at FairyLand and please consider helping those who could use a little extra kindness right now.
Berkeley Hills Team Holiday Spirit
Berkeley Hills Realty has, as a team, adopted four families this year to ensure they have gifts under the tree for Christmas. The program is called “Adopt a Family” and the organization is Saint Vincent’s Day Home, a developmental center that services low income children and familes at 1086 8th Street, Oakland. Our team is also serving the hungry in January at the Lutheran Church of the Cross in Berkeley through the Berkeley Food and Housing Project.
Gifts that will go to the four families that BHR adopted for Christmas
BHR Agents and Staff ready to serve at the Lutheran Church of the Cross
How You Can Help the Hungry
Did you know that the Alameda County Food Bank serves 1 in 5 of the residents in the county? Two-thirds are children and seniors. For every dollar donated, they are able to provide $7 in food.
The Contra Costa County Food Bank has amazing ideas of how the community can help the food bank serve those in need from downloading a running app to donating food if you move. Innovation and generosity together are great partners! The food bank also is looking for volunteers during November to help sort food.
In Richmond, the Bay Area Rescue Mission is always in need for volunteers, food donations and they have a “what we need now” section on their website providing opporunities to help. Are you holding parties for the holidays? The shelter in Richmond also takes leftover homemade food. You can contact them directly at info@bayarearescue.org or learn more. https://www.bayarearescue.org/
Berkeley/Oakland Holiday Fun
The holidays are about giving to others, but also creating memories and traditions.
Tilden Park Carousel
During special holiday hours, the area around the Merry-Go-Round will be decorated all in twinkle lights and silly inflatables with FREE Santa Claus pictures Thursday through Sunday. Olaf on select days.
Cost: $3 per ride or $15 for a seven-pack of rides. Cocoa and gingerbread cookies for sale in the snack bar.
When: Hours for the merry-go-round are now through Dec. 23, from noon to 8:30pm on weekends and 4pm to 8:30pm on weekdays. The first three Saturday’s in December, they are holiding a private brunch that the public can purchase tickets to. http://www.tildenmerrygoround.org
Where: Tilden Regional Park at the intersection of Central Park Drive and Lake Anza road.
Oakland ZooLights
Enjoy colorfully lit animal-shaped structures on display throughout the Oakland Zoo with musical accompaniment. The Gondola is spectacular and included in the fun.
The Zoo is closed on Christmas Eve and Day and New Year’s Eve and Day.
Visit Santa on certain evenings. (check website)
Cost: $10 adults; $9 children; FREE under age two; members save $1
When: December 6-31 (except Christmas Eve and Day) | January 1-5, 2020 from 5:30 pm to 9pm
Fairy Winterland at Fairyland (Oakland)
Children’s Fairyland gets a special holiday makeover with thousands of twinkling lights, free cocoa, candy canes, a special puppet show, and a visit from Santa Claus (Black Santa since 1993!). Best for toddlers through kindergartners.
Cost: $12 per person over the age of one; $6 for members (Dec. 13 is free for members)
When: December 13-15 and 20-23 from noon to 7 pm with special activities and Black Santa beginning at 4 pm. Santa Claus goes home to the North Pole but Fairy Winterland continues for Grandparents’ Week ($6 per grand-grownup) December 26-30.
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