This nonprofit is best known for its fall Backpack Drive when it delivers 17,000 school bags stuffed with supplies to kids who need it the most. For the most part, it's a hub for individuals and companies alike to donate time and money to benefit Bay Area children who receive free or reduced price lunches at school.
Both middle schools in Milpitas and a host of elementary schools receive backpacks, including Zanker, Weller, Spangler, Rose, Randall, Pomeroy and Burnett. With a full-time staff of 16, the Family Giving Tree depends on 750 volunteers a year.
The holiday gift drive produces more toys and clothes than backpacks. According to the program director, 65,000 gifts are distributed to agencies close to Christmas time.