Laughter, music, and the spirit of Christmas filled the room on Saturday, December 13, as Catholic Charities East Bay welcomed 60 families and nearly 120 children to our annual Joy Bells celebration.
Children’s eyes lit up as they posed for photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, created holiday crafts, enjoyed festive treats, and unwrapped gifts chosen just for them. Every present reflected careful thought and love—made possible by Catholic Charities and the generosity of our donors.
Each year, families who have received support from Catholic Charities East Bay are nominated for Joy Bells, along with families referred by community members, parishes, and fellow nonprofit partners. Our case managers take time to understand each family’s needs, working closely with parents to create personalized wish lists for their children. Those wishes are fulfilled through the kindness of volunteers and the generosity of donors who believe every child deserves the joy of Christmas.
- Joy Bells is truly a community effort, made possible by a circle of dedicated partners and volunteers, including:
Kids Bike Lane - Oliver Co., for donating additional bicycles
- UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital, for providing bike helmets and safety education
- Volunteers from the National Charity League (Oakland-Piedmont Chapter), St. Mary’s College High School (Berkeley), and Leadership
- Public Schools–Richmond
- St. Vincent de Paul, Contra Costa County, and parishes across the Diocese of Oakland
Together, this year’s Joy Bells program brought Christmas cheer to 135 families and 260 children—a powerful reminder that when a community comes together, hope shines brighter and joy multiplies.