They say it “takes a village” to raise a child—a collective effort of parents, grandparents, teachers, coaches, counselors, friends, and neighbors, all working together to guide and nurture the next generation. At Empower Yolo, we see that truth every day. But during the holidays, when the community comes together in remarkable ways to support families staying in our shelter, the power of that village shines even brighter.
Many people ask what it’s like for our clients to spend the holidays in our shelter. For families healing from violence, this season can bring complicated emotions—grief for what was lost, worry about the future, and uncertainty about how to create joyful moments for their children. Our staff works with great dedication to make the holidays special, but it is truly the generosity of the community that transforms the season with warmth, dignity, and hope.
One mother captured this beautifully in a letter she shared with us (names have been changed to protect confidentiality):
Dear Shelter Staff,
I hope you can feel the heart behind this message.
Spending the holidays while staying at the shelter has been emotional in ways I didn’t expect. There are moments when everything feels heavy, and the season can make you miss what you’ve lost or what you’re still working to rebuild. But your Christmas gifts brought something truly special into my days: warmth, comfort, and a reminder that I’m not alone.
What touched me even more was the joy of seeing my kids open gifts—gifts I honestly couldn’t buy for them during this difficult time. Watching their faces light up, hearing their laughter, and seeing them get to just be kids for a moment meant more than I can explain. You didn’t only give presents; you gave my children a Christmas, and you gave me the gift of relief, happiness, and hope when I needed it most.
Each item, every thoughtful choice, every small detail felt like someone saying, “You matter. You’re worth caring about. You deserve joy.” That’s not “just gifts.” That’s love in action. Because of your kindness, I felt seen, supported, and encouraged at a time when it really counts.
Thank you for helping make the shelter feel even more like a place of peace and healing. Thank you for your generosity, but also for the dignity and care behind it. I will remember this Christmas not only for what we received but for the kindness that found us when we needed it most. —Sincerely, Martha
Martha’s reflections echo what many families experience during the holidays here. Shelter staff create welcoming traditions—children help decorate the Christmas tree, and every morning they search excitedly for the “elf on the shelf,” laughing as they race through the shelter to find it. “They run into the office shouting with joy,” says Sandra Solorzano, Shelter Director. “It’s a bright moment they look forward to every day.”
Food also brings families together. Thanks to food donations and grocery gift cards, parents gather in the kitchen to cook cultural and traditional dishes, sharing meals that spark connection and comfort. “Families enjoy each other’s company and special dishes as they heal together,” Solorzano adds.
Empower Yolo’s holiday gift-giving programs have grown tremendously, thanks to the kindness of local businesses, churches, and community groups. Davis Community Church hosts an annual Giving Tree focusing on gifts for mothers and teenagers. AVID & Co. provides beautiful toys during the holidays and makes year-round contributions. Many other individuals, groups, and organizations give so generously. These gifts support shelter families and other clients in need.
Shelter staff wrap gifts for parents, and then the moms wrap presents for their children using donated paper and gift bags—giving them the meaningful experience of creating Christmas for their family. Each family receives private time to open gifts together. “All the wonderful gifts donated by community members help make the holidays special, especially for the children,” says Solorzano.
For 25 years, the Prytanean Women’s Honor Society at UC Davis has lovingly assembled holiday stockings for shelter youth, filled with cozy accessories, art supplies, toiletries, and stuffed animals. Empower Yolo board secretary Lynda Jones, a Prytanean alumna, has helped steward this creative and heartfelt tradition.
The shelter is always full during the holidays, and this year is no exception, with children ranging from newborns to teens. As the county’s only family shelter, staff work tirelessly to safely accommodate as many families as possible. When space is limited, they still ensure every family receives safety planning and support.
How You Can Make a Difference
There are many meaningful ways to support survivors and families this holiday season:
Holiday meals:
Donate grocery gift cards (Grocery Outlet, Nugget, Safeway, Davis Food Co-op) to help families prepare warm meals together (kindly request a gift receipt as funds are not always properly loaded).
Year-end giving:
Financial contributions fill crucial gaps not covered by grants and directly support survivors like Martha. Donations can be made in honor or in memory of someone you love or a survivor you know, or through employer matching, donor-advised funds, or Qualified Charitable Distributions. Give any time at empoweryolo.org/donate/.
Adopt-A-Family:
Purchase gifts from personalized wish lists and help families feel seen, valued, and supported. Email holidays@empoweryolo.org to participate.
General wish lists:
Our wish lists for moms, teens, Santa’s playroom, and Rooms to Go offer flexible ways to give with your family, friends, book club, officemates, scout troop, or sports team while offering a lot of giving options and flexibility. Visit empoweryolo.org/wish-list/.
Holiday donations can be dropped off at the main office, 175 Walnut Street, Woodland, or the Family Resource Center, 441 D Street, Davis, during office hours. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.; Thursday, 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Friday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. For more information about holiday giving, visit empoweryolo.org. For questions, contact holidays@empoweryolo.org or call (530) 661-6336.
As the holidays remind us, it truly takes a village—and at Empower Yolo, we see firsthand how the compassion of our community lifts up survivors and their children. Thank you for helping us ensure that every family who comes through our doors feels hope, dignity, and love in action.