Frequently Asked Questions

• Young kids: Multi-cultural and multi-racial dolls, non-violent toys and games, learning games, art supplies, preschool development toys.
  
• Pre-teen/Teenagers:  Portable CD players, hand held video games, blank journals/diaries, gift certificates (food, music, movies or clothes), watches, purses, wallets, sports items, DVD's.
  

Each child also receives a book and a stuffed animal.  Games are also good choices, such as: Candyland, Sorry!, Shoots & Ladders, Monopoly, Clue, Battleship, Yahtzee, Catch Phrase, Pictionary, Twister, Guess Who?, Boggle, Connect Four, Checkers.
 
Do I wrap the gift?
 
Please DO NOT wrap your gift.  Parents will not be able to see what it is to determine if it their child would like an item if it is wrapped.
 
Are used toys okay?
 
While InnVision and the Opportunity Center gratefully accept used toys throughout the year, for the Holiday Toy Shoppe we request that you give new toys.  Used toys will be offered to needy children at other times during the year.

How much should I spend?
 
Whatever you feel is appropriate.  Smaller gifts will be used as stocking stuffers.
 
Where do I take my donation?
 
Toys may be dropped off at the Opportunity Center, 33 Encina Avenue, Palo Alto 8am - 4pm, M-F, or the Clara Mateo Alliance, 795 Willow Road, Building 323-D (VA Hospital),  in Menlo Park 9am - 5pm, M-F.
 
Is my donation tax deductible?
 
Yes.  Simply ask for a receipt when you drop off your donation.
 
Who can shop at the Holiday Toy
Shoppe?
 
Any family meeting the following two criteria may shop at the HTS:
1.     Resides in Palo Alto OR has children who attend Palo Alto schools.
2.     Earns less than half the median income for Santa Clara county.
 
Are there other places that this program is being run?
 
InnVision also runs a Holiday Toy Shoppe in San Jose.  For more information, contact email Autumn Gutierrez at agutierrez@InnVision.org or call 408-292-4286.  Income requirements are the same for that program.

Who is InnVision?
 
InnVision the Way Home provides comprehensive services for unhoused and at risk individuals and families and develops, owns, and manages shelters and transitional housing throughout Santa Clara County.  It has merged with the Urban Ministry of Palo Alto and Clara-Mateo Alliance to form a comprehensive and effective service presence in northern Santa Clara and southern San Mateo counties.
 
What happened to the Urban Ministry of Palo Alto?
 
UMPA merged with InnVision. All the services they offered behind the Red Cross are now offered at the Opportunity Center.
 
What is the Opportunity Center for the Midpeninsula?
 
This is a new facility at 33 Encina Ave in Palo Alto (btwn Town & Country and PAMF) that offers two service centers and affordable housing for individuals and families.  The service center for homeless and at-risk individuals is open from 8am-4pm M-F.  The family center,  for homeless and at-risk families, is open 10-6 M-F..  The medical clinic is open 8-5 M-F.  The OC service centers can be reached at 650-853-8672.