Donor Gifts $100 To 1K Families | Therapy Dog: Saturday Smiles

If you are taking a break from your holiday weekend and are in need of some positive stories or maybe even a new rustic persimmon tart recipe, you have come to the right place. While you are here, we invite you to participate in our online holiday food drive to help feed those in need.

Patch has 10 heartwarming Northern California stories to make your holiday weekend a bit brighter.

San Rafael Woman Reunited With Birth Mother After 50 Years

• After five decades, Wendy Gallagher, who was adopted, reunited with her birth mother and extended family. Now she is sharing her story.

Angel Donor Gifts $100 To 1,000 Families

• The families received a holiday basket from a nonprofit of food and gift cards for children. The $100 was an extra surprise.

Los Gatos Locals Rally Together To Rescue Cat Stranded In Redwood

• A cat was stuck in a tall redwood tree in Los Gatos for four days until a crew from a local tree service company came to its rescue.

Campbell Police Department Welcomes First Therapy Dog

• The Campbell Police Department introduced the Therapy Dog Program Monday, welcoming the newest addition to the team, K9 Ainsley.

Santa's Helpers Deliver Toys In Castro Valley

• This huge pile of toys was donated to the fire department's annual toy drive.

Santa Cruz Ranked Among Most Fitness-Friendly Places In U.S.

• See where the Santa Cruz County area ranked in a recently released list from SmartAsset.

City Center Bishop Ranch: New Store Opens, 2 More Coming

• Two leases have been signed on dining locations and a new store opened this week at San Ramon's shopping mall.

Christmas Bird Count: How To Participate In Bay Area

• The Audubon Society’s Christmas Bird Count will go from Dec. 14 to Jan. 5.

Feeding America Donations In Patch Food Drive Are Tax Deductible

• The Patch Holiday Food Drive helps Feeding America serve up to 50 million people who don't have enough to eat because of the pandemic.

Rustic Persimmon Tart: Cooking With Courtney

• A simple, delicious tart with the cozy and comforting flavors of sweet persimmons, cinnamon and orange marmalade. Get the recipe.

If you have an idea for a nice news story in your town, let us know. Email your story tips to autumn.johnson@patch.com.