Gifts from the Heart: Volunteers Make a Difference

​​Tucked away in Sacramento County, there's a warehouse bustling with activity this holiday season. But no, these aren't exactly Santa's elves. Instead, they're volunteers wrapping, distributing and delivering gifts as part of Sacramento County's Gifts from the Heart program. This beloved initiative provides presents to foster children, teens, disabled adults and older adults, spreading holiday cheer to those who need it most.

"The people are great and there's something for everyone really, you can deliver gifts and you can see people's faces when they get the gifts you can wrap," said longtime volunteer, Barbara.

Barbara said she's been helping out with Gifts from the Heart for so long she isn't exactly sure when she began volunteering but guesses it was more than two decades ago.

"I started because a friend of mine wanted me to make Barbie clothes for her daughter," she explained. "Then I started putting boxes together but didn't have a place to give them. My sister, who was with Child Protective Services, told me about Gifts from the Heart."

Gifts from the Heart began 36 years ago, and Barbara's contributions have been a cherished part of the program's history. Each year, she lovingly boxes up 200 to 300 dolls, complete with games and activities.

"When I do it, I think about the kids who are opening the gifts," she said.

​​By the end of the season, nearly every box finds a home.

This year, the program delivered presents to over 1,700 children and adults in Sacramento County, an effort made possible by the Department of Child, Family and Adult Services (DCFAS), volunteers and donors.

"A lot of retirees volunteer here. It's a great thing to do if you have time on your hands," said Barbara.

As Sacramento County grows, so does the need for support. Teens, in particular, are often overlooked when it comes to gift donations. If you're thinking about donating or volunteering, the Gifts from the Heart Warehouse is now open year-round.

Barbara said every volunteer works toward putting a smile on the face of a child, teen or adult.

"For all the gifts, they send out blank thank you notes. So, the people can thank us and some of them are very touching. There were a couple last year where the kids said this was the first time they had ever gotten a Christmas gift. It was a little sad but it kind of spurs you on to do more," Barbara said.

And "do more" Barbara will. At 74 years old, she has no plans of slowing down.

"I'll keep coming back. I love it. It really is a lot of fun," she said.