By Ritu Maheshwari
Fremont, CA: In keeping with the giving 40+ year old tradition and in the spirit of the holidays, FOG (Festival of Globe) and Fremont Hindu Temple organized a "Holiday Toy and Blanket Drive" on Sunday, December 7th, 2025. This annual Holiday Toy Giveaway at Fremont Temple was held to distribute the toys to needy children, including incarcerated youth and destitute kids. This year there was a record number of Toys and Blankets collected for distribution despite increasing costs and an uncertain economy. There was a tremendous outpouring of generosity and support among the community.
Toys were donated to needy and destitute children of Alameda, Marin, and other Bay Area counties. The Alameda County juvenile justice system has many such children in its system. The toy collection was organized in the community, local temples, and several social events. Devotees generously donated new toys, blankets, and funds for a record number of young children to be supported this Holiday season. There was a tremendous response to FOG’s appeal to the community for the Toy Drive. Hundreds of people donated the new toys and blankets. The collected toys were delivered to the needy during the holidays. The event was attended by Elected Officials, including Alameda County District Attorney Ursula Jones Dickson, Fremont Mayor Dr. Raj Salwan, County judges supervising juvenile courts, representatives from several other Bay Area counties, and other dignitaries.
Dr. Romesh Japra, Founder and Convener - FOG, in his message said, “We at Festiva of Globe and Fremont Hindu Temple have been holding the Toy Drive for the past 42 years to spread the joy right from Festival of Lights through Christmas and New Year. Community donating in such large numbers shows that a community that cares also shares to spread the happiness and smiles among the members who need help. Thanks to all the donors of toys, blankets, and other accessories for needy, destitute, incarcerated, juvenile, and other disabled children.”
(All photos courtesy: FOG)
