Transparency
By Tre Keys, FNRC Public Information Officer
Redding, Calif. — Joe Cullis, Vice President and Regional Manager at Tri Counties Bank and Chair of the Far Northern Coordinating Council is a key supporter of the program. In a recent interview, Joe spoke about the personal and deep-rooted connection his family has to the program.
“My mom, Kay Cullis, was instrumental in helping to launch the program. She secured some of the original donors and sponsorships and helped ensure that the program got off the ground,” Joe said. “At her time at Far Northern, before she passed away, she continued to be a go-to person for Holidays Are for Caring, helping to make sure that it happens every year. I remember even when I was young, hearing her talk about the program and how important it was to her.”
Since 2004, the Holidays Are For Caring program has brought joy and gifts to persons supported of the Far Northern Regional Center (FNRC). Individuals, businesses, service providers, families and community members donate money to the charity fund which is then used to provide gifts to individuals with developmental disabilities who may not otherwise receive a gift during the holiday season.
Joe is proud of his company’s continued support of the program, emphasizing Tri Counties Bank’s dedication to ensuring the program remains well-funded.
“I’m really happy to share and excited about my company, Tri Counties Bank, and their commitment to the program. Since I started serving on the board of directors, Tri Counties has made an annual generous donation directly to the program to help ensure that it continues to stay funded for the year and for many years to come,” he said. Tri Counties Bank shows its commitment to the program. “We have done it every year. $3,000 this year for Holidays Are for Caring 2024, and we’re planning to continue to donate in years to come,” Joe shared.
Joe also shared a cherished memory from his childhood that involved the program’s efforts to raise awareness. “The thing that I remember the most about Holidays Are for Caring from when I was a kid is my mom with the giant teddy bear. She had a teddy bear that was probably the size of two full-grown people that she would try to stuff in the back of her car and take to places to help raise awareness about the program,” he said.
He explained how the giant teddy bear became a symbol for the program and drew attention, helping to garner donations and promote the cause. “I think she used that as something to get people’s attention, to help spur donations. I do remember that being a symbol of Holidays Are for Caring and something that really brought a lot of joy to people.”
“It started out to provide people in out-of-home placement with a Christmas gift, the ones who didn’t have family,” said Cindy Presidio former Far Northern Regional Center Executive Assistant, reflecting on its origins.
The fundraiser was first started by a local weather person before Kay Cullis took over and expanded its reach. Following Kay’s passing, the responsibility was handed down to Cindy Presidio and other FNRC staff members, who have continued her work.
The process begins every year on Nov. 1, when letters requesting donations are sent out, and service coordinators are notified. These coordinators then nominate two to three individuals from their caseloads, focusing on individuals who may not receive gifts from other sources. Once the nominations are collected, volunteers, including FNRC staff, step in to assist with shopping, wrapping, and delivering the gifts. The program is person-centered and gifts are meant to be something meaningful that the individuals want, with requests ranging from bicycles to smart TVs. “The first year I took it, this entire room (gestures to executive break room) was filled with presents and wrapping paper,” said Cindy.
This year, FNRC is placing a special emphasis on employee engagement. New activities, such as holiday card-making and gift-wrapping days, have been introduced to involve more staff in the process. Employees will also have the opportunity to pick gift tags from a Christmas tree, allowing them to purchase gifts for individuals directly instead of simply donating cash.
Over the years, the Holidays Are for Caring program has grown significantly, with donations sometimes totaling between $13,000 and $15,000 annually. One year, after the devastating Camp Fire, the program received additional support from other regional centers, with $150 gift cards sent from as far as Southern California.
As the 2024 holiday season approaches, FNRC staff are preparing to carry on the legacy of Holidays Are for Caring, ensuring that each person supported experiences the joy of the season, no matter their circumstances.
For more information about how to participate or donate, visit FNRC’s website or follow them on social media for updates.