about us

Who we are

Christopher Ranch helps us tell our Story

At our 2021 Tree Day, our local sponsor and community champion, Christopher Ranch, produced this wonderful video below. In just a few minutes, we could tell our story and share our hopes, vision, and goals for our community. Thank you, Christopher Ranch! Enjoy the video and eat more Christopher Ranch garlic!

We exist to help make the holidays brighter
We meet our mission with the help of our sponsors
Our volunteers are also our heroes and strength!

Debbi & Mike Sanchez

CEO and FOUNDER, ONE GIVING TREE

it’s simple really. We provide christmas trees.

While it’s easy to rationalize that a Christmas tree won’t change the world, it is also easy for us to make a connection between a child’s hopes and dreams and their ability to overcome obstacles in their lives. The holiday season is a time when feelings of not fitting in, not measuring up, and loneliness run high.

Something we take for granted – something as simple as a Christmas tree, filling a home with festive sights and scents of the holidays – can make the difference between a child feeling “normal” versus feeling left out, left behind, and alone.

Many children in this circumstance suffer silently. In some cases, the lack of something as simple as a tree can be a reminder of just how tough life is. Studies show that children who grow up in poverty are less likely to do well in school, attend college, or contribute to their communities as adults.

We don’t accept that this is “just the way it is.”

We feel that something as simple as a Christmas tree during the holidays can make the difference between a tough situation and a bearable one.

A childhood filled with moments of joy and positive memories can change the dynamic and the trajectory of that child.

As that child becomes a young adult, they can rely on the foundation of those memories for better mental health. They will make better decisions, create healthier relationships, live better lives.

If we can help to create that change, that child, that young adult, that veteran, that parent or that senior might have a better, more fulfilled life. That person will be connected to community.

If you had the power to change a child’s life for the better with one small act of kindness, you would. If you could transform the feelings of loneliness for someone into laughter and joy with one small act, you would.

We might be nuts. Like a small pebble in a still pond that sends ripples across the entire body of water, our one small act of kindness will help one child, one veteran, someone, change their life for the better, then all our effort is worth it.

Can one tree change the world?

We say YES.

It’s simple really. We provide Christmas trees.

Why We do it…

u003cemu003e“She told us this was the first time she and her two high school aged daughters ever had a tree for Christmas. She was in tears.”u003c/emu003eu003cbru003e u003cbru003e – One Giving Tree Volunteer
u003cemu003e“When we showed up with a tree and all the ornaments the family could not believe it was for them. They were amazed and humbled that someone could care so much.” u003c/emu003eu003cbru003e u003cbru003e – Partner Agency Volunteeru003cbru003e
u003cemu003e“He was a second grader living with his grandparents. He was depressed and had not been to school in weeks. He was told there would be no tree this year. Then we showed up with one. He danced around the house and played with the tree. The next day he went to school.”u003c/emu003eu003cbru003e -Partner Agency Case Worker
u003cemu003ePlease know what an incredible difference One Giving Tree makes for so many families. You don’t just give them trees…. you give them the gift of knowing that others care, and what a priceless gift that is!u003c/emu003eu003cbru003e – Partner Agency Director
u003cemu003e“My client had already informed her little ones that she would not be able to afford a tree this year… She is so grateful for this gift, and I am grateful too, as this client and her children have been through so much. They will celebrate their holidays this year with a beautiful tree.”u003c/emu003eu003cbru003e – Partner Agency Case Worker
u003cemu003eI saw her face light up! Her mother seemed so relieved. They thanked us and the donors for the opportunity to enjoy the holidays with a Christmas tree and bring a sense of normalcy into their lives during this holiday season!u003c/emu003eu003cbru003e – Partner Agency Case Worker

meet our team

Our leadership and board is amazing. Our volunteers are superheroes. Together we form a team that can accomplish any feat against all odds… and we usually do.

Debbi Sanchez

Executive Director

“There’s nothing a little wine can’t fix.” Deb is a can-do wonder woman and our incredible leader. #amazing

Mike Sanchez

Chief kid at heart

Mike’s an “idea guy.” Our Founder and lead trouble maker. You can occasionally see him actually working. #rarely

Nayeli Ceja-Khaira

BOARD MEMBER

Wanna catch Nayeli? Start running. This girl is on fi-ya. Always smiling, always getting it done. A true community champion #inspiration

Debbie Russell

Debbie is our numbers girl – and so much more. Not only a wiz at dollars and cents, she steps up and steps in everywhere we need help. A true quiet giant! #hero

Toni Diaz

Toni is the utility player, the “Gimme the ball coach!” MVP. She also keeps Mike out of trouble. #full-time

We have the best volunteers!

How in the world can we do what we do? It is only possible thanks to our amazing, incredibly hard-working volunteers. Year after year, they show up, step up, and help us make the holidays brighter for local kids and their families. We can’t do it without our team! Our volunteers are the best in the business!