The holidays are among the busiest time of the year for Ray of Hope.

The local non-profit crisis services and resources to assist needy youngsters in San Joaquin County has received an outpouring of gifts from throughout the community and area businesses.

“Thank you for your giving during this Christmas season,” Ray of Hope recently posted via social media. “We have been blessed with (the giving of) toys, however, we are short on food and food cards to feed our four kids and families.”

By that, executive director Laura Vieira-Saunders was referring the need to replenish the Kids Cupboard Emergency Food Pantry following the holidays.

“It’s been different this year. COVID has made it real hard on us,” Vieira-Saunders said.

She applauded the efforts of Christmas Guardian Angels Program, which provided gifts and food to about 800 children in the area – they were the referrals from San Joaquin County Child Protective Services, Child Abuse Prevention Council, the Women’s Center of SJC, and other local shelters and county agencies.

Ray of Hope was unable to conduct its annual Christmas party, opting instead for a drop-off event. Children happily walked away with gifts of their choice at the main office.

“What worries me is what happens after Christmas,” said Vieira-Saunders of the food pantry.

Her goal during the post-holidays is to restock in order to provide three meals day for children.