"During the holidays, no one takes a break because community needs are even greater during this time," says Jolene Smith, CEO of FIRST 5 Santa Clara County. "FIRST 5 is committed to working with our partners, continuing to support the services that help ensure the happiness and health of the children and families we are honored to serve."

From the beginning of the pandemic, our #SiliconValleyStrongHeroes and its Family Resource Centers (FRCs) network has distributed over 1,542,160 diapers, 1,927,700 baby wipes, 9,090 baby formula and thousands of activity kits, period products and resources guides to families throughout Santa Clara County.

FIRST 5 of Santa Clara County volunteers assisting with critical supply boxes for community members in need.

None of this would have been possible without FIRST 5's ESSENTIAL volunteers, staff and partners. From supporting families having access to resources during the pandemic and promoting health and security, FIRST 5 Family Resource Centers and its volunteers support many families in need. In order to continue serving our community, FIRST 5 of Santa Clara County needs you. Anyone can help by becoming a FIRST 5 volunteer and play a vital role in supporting their community's health and well-being during the pandemic.

FIRST 5 recognizes the needs of several communities that face high contraction rates of COVID-19 and by following the Santa Clara Public Health Department's guidance and safety protocols, FIRST 5's network of FRCs and volunteers have reallocated critical supplies to reduce COVID-19 virus exposure in communities that are at greater risk - helping to address the health equity concerns exacerbated during the pandemic.

"We hope our actions and efforts send the message to the community that we are in this together," states Keith Morales, Interim Chief for FIRST 5 of Santa Clara County.

Employees of FIRST 5’s Family Resource Centers (FRCs) assisting with local distribution.

Through our #SiliconValleyStrongHeroes persistence in community partnerships, raising funds, advocating for babies and their families and investing in Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for families in need, many in the county's most vulnerable communities have been provided stability and security during a very challenging and uncertain time.

We applaud our #SiliconValleyStrongHeroes for their commitment to support our communities needs and youngest residents.

For opportunities to volunteer and to support your community, contact Zulema Inai, Interim Deputy Chief, at Zulema.inai@first5kids.org. To learn more about FIRST 5's mission and programs, please visit www.first5kids.org.

FIRST 5 diaper and calming kits distributions at local school district locations.