Livermore Kids In Need Get Holiday Gifts From Local 'Giving Tree'

PLEASANTON, CA — When Leah Giles of Pleasanton went Christmas tree shopping with her family this year, she felt a tugging at her heart. She spontaneously decided on a second, mini tree for their front yard.

Within weeks it would become a "Giving Tree," where neighbors could serve neighbors in need by purchasing holiday gifts for their kids, she said. Visitors to the tree can fill out a form indicating their interest in helping a local family, or share some basic information about their story, child, gift preferences and clothing sizes.

"We just decided to make our own because we wanted to help, but I just didn't know where to go," Giles said.

On Wednesday, Giles received a request from a person who said they were struggling to make ends meet after losing their job at a downtown restaurant. So far the Giles family has received five requests for kids from Pleasanton and Livermore, but many more interested donors are lined up, ready to help.

"It's just kind of special to be able to help because a lot of people are financially or professionally struggling, to no fault of their own," she said.

Giles has a daughter at Pleasanton Middle School and twin boys at Valley View Elementary School. The family usually adopts a child through Valley View Elementary's Giving Tree program, but the school has been closed.

Giles said she saw an opportunity to teach her kids that "even one small act can help." An act of kindness could make someone's month. It could even be something they remember for years to come, she said.

"You can be giving at any level," even if it's a coffee, Giles said. "I just want them to be generous ... and to know that they can do that no matter how much money they have, no matter how old they are."

Giles will also be working with Valley View Elementary to connect students in need with "Giving Tree" donors.

Anyone who wants to nominate a Tri-Valley child in need can stop by the Giles home on East Angela Street and look for the small Christmas tree with the wooden "Giving Tree" sign, she said. It's not far from their bright yellow door and large inflatable reindeer.

Wrapped gifts will arrive at the family's doorstep, Giles said.

Forms have been left out for people requesting gifts or looking to donate. Interested donors can also email Giles at leah@bellycoach.com.

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