Thanksgiving & December 2026

Ways to give

Aldea is starting with a $1,500 gift and will expand as needs come up. Let's see how many families our community can help have an easier, happier Thanksgiving and December.

I'd like to helpGift sign-ups closed on Dec 10. Thank you to everyone who took part! Still have a gift to drop off? Contact Ms. Amy at 661-777-5437 or amy@aldea.kids.

Every kind of help counts, including help that costs nothing.

$1,500

Aldea's starting gift, to grow as needs come up, for Thanksgiving groceries and December gifts for kids, including brothers and sisters. Your help lets us say yes to more families.

Gifts go to parents unwrapped, so each family can wrap and give them however they like.

Three ways to help

Fulfill a gift wish

We'll send you one anonymous wish: an item, a size if needed, and a price guide. You shop, then drop it off unwrapped with its code.

Give a store card

Pick up a Walmart, WinCo, Fastrip or Amazon gift card, in any amount. Drop it off sealed, with the receipt.

Help without spending

Come to Giving Night, our gift drop-off evening: Tuesday, Dec 8, 4:30–6:00 PM, while you're picking up your kiddo. Help put together wrapping kits while your kiddo decorates for the season.

How it works

Five steps, and you can stop after the first one if plans change.

  1. Tell us how you'd like to help.About two minutes. Signing up isn't a payment or a commitment yet.
  2. We'll confirm.If you're fulfilling a wish, you'll get one item code and simple shopping instructions.
  3. Drop off by Dec 10.Unwrapped, in a closed bag, code attached, in the holiday bin in Aldea's lobby, 3400 Calloway Dr, Mon–Fri, 6:30 AM–6:00 PM.
  4. We'll let you know it arrived.Received, checked, then on its way to a family.
  5. You'll get a financial statement.After the holidays, every giving family receives a financial statement for the program.

Our privacy promise

Families who receive support stay private. You won't learn who received your gift, and they won't learn who gave it.

Only Aldea's 3-person Holiday team knows who receives help. That's the same privacy we'd give your family if you ever asked.

No photosNo storiesNo thank-you notesNo meetings

Talking with your kids

This can be a nice moment to talk about helping. Something simple works:

"Some families in our community could use a little extra help this year. Want to help pick out something for a kid who'd love it?"

Talk about families in our community rather than kids in their class, so no one starts guessing.

Questions

Is my contribution tax-deductible?

Aldea has no non-profit status, and unfortunately, contributions are not tax-deductible.

Can I give money instead?

This year we're asking for gift wishes or store cards rather than cash. A store card from our list works the same way.

How much should I spend?

Whatever's comfortable. Wishes come with a price guide, and cards can be any amount. Helping at Giving Night costs nothing.

Can I choose a wish for a child my kid's age?

We keep wishes general on purpose so no one can guess who they're for. We'll do our best to match your budget.

What if I can't find the exact item?

Just tell us. We'll suggest something similar, or you can give a store card of about the same value.

What if I need to back out?

That's okay. Let us know as soon as you can, and we'll take care of it.

Will I find out who received my gift?

No. We'll confirm that your gift reached a family after all the holiday handoffs are done.

What happens to extra gifts or cards?

First they go to other Aldea families waiting for help. Depending on amounts, anything left will be split among local charities such as Bakersfield Angels (support for foster families) and Morning Star Fresh Food Ministry. Your financial statement will show where everything went.

Can my family give and also ask for help?

Yes. Many families do both. The two are completely separate.

Would a little help make the season easier for your family? Asking is private and separate. Holiday support for Aldea families