At Caputo & Van Der Walde, the holiday season means giving to people in need. We are proud to say that our paralegal, Evangelina Trujeque, might know the spirit of the season more than anyone, as she is the current President of Bay Area Pay It Forward. For years, she has been helping organize the Santa for a Day charity drive to support local families in need during the holidays.
This year, her charity was able to bring full Christmas experiences to a dozen families in the Bay Area. Presents for children, dinners, and even Christmas trees with ornaments are all collected by the nonprofit and given to local families who would not have otherwise had a full holiday. The charity works with social workers, churches, CalWORKS, and other local associations to find families in need of their donations.
Caputo & Van Der Walde is happy to say we were able to donate to all 12 families this year, as well as charitable sponsorships for six of the families who received full Christmas dinners. One family also received beds and bedding to help them stay warm and cozy for the holidays. Of course, being Santa for a Day needs a little theatrics for the kids to enjoy. Most of our law firm traveled to each house with the good people of Bay Area Pay It Forward to deliver the gifts and goods — with Don Peeler, our Intake Coordinator, dressing up as Santa Claus! He was even accompanied by Mrs. Claus, who was played by his wife.
It was a great experience that brought incredible feelings of togetherness and hope to not only the families who received the service but to also our law firm’s members. Huge thanks must go to Evangelina for organizing the Santa for a Day charity and to Bay Area Pay It Forward for its support as well. Of course, we must show sincere appreciation to everyone who donated gifts, decorations, and other supplies to make this event possible.
To learn more about Bay Area Pay It Forward and its Santa for a Day charity, you can visit the charity’s official Facebook page by clicking here. You can also click here to view a full Silicon Valley Voice article about the most recent Santa for a Day event. If you need the help of a San Jose personal injury attorney for a case or claim of your own, please feel free to call us at (800) 900-0863 and schedule a free case review with our team.