Giving That Feels Good

By C.J. Hirschfield

This is a special time of year at Children’s Fairyland. While Fairyland rings with the laughter of children and families on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, we have the rest of the week to tend to our facility’s needs, to reflect on what we were able to accomplish this past year, and to plan for the next.

Last year we learned that families living in temporary housing often find themselves without shelter for part of the day. Knowing how difficult that must be, we launched a new program, in partnership with First 5 Alameda County and Lyft, to become a haven for families waiting for shelter space during their transition. Using Lyft’s concierge service, we arrange for round-trip transportation from the shelter to Fairyland and welcome the families with admission passes and vouchers for lunch from our Johnny Appleseed Café.

One parent was gathering all her possessions, including a car seat, into a stroller as she was getting ready to leave Fairyland. When we offered help, she pulled out a bungee cord and said, “As a homeless mother with two children, you have to learn how to be an engineer with what you have.”

Children from San Leandro's Hillside Elementary School attended a special Math and Science FAIRyland day this year and later sent us thank-you notes.

Please consider including Fairyland on your holiday gift list …

So we can help more families find comfort and joy within our fairy gates.

So we can bring children to Fairyland on free field trips.

“The best part of our Fairyland field trip was seeing some of my most challenging boys, who are always trying to be ‘tough,’ smile and laugh and play like the 5-year-olds they are.”
–Caliber Beta Academy kindergarten teacher

So we can keep our admission fees affordable.

“My kids are 8, 6, and 2. They always enjoy riding the Jolly Trolly and the carousel and exploring the areas where they can climb things (pirate ship, the boat in the beach area). Mostly they like to run around and see everything. At the end of the day they like to retire to the reading room. That's the great thing about Fairyland: it's all just there for them and it's at their level.” – Daddy blogger

So we can continue making improvements to the Fairyland you treasure.

“I'm an East Bay kid, born in Oakland and raised in Alameda. We visited Fairyland constantly throughout my childhood. Those visits are still incredibly vivid memories. Fairyland remains a unique and special place, and I love the history and truly one-of-a-kind experience it provides for kids (and adults, to be honest!).” – Animal department volunteer

We are humbled by and enormously grateful for the generosity of friends and supporters who facilitate our work, Please consider giving generously this holiday season. You can help Fairyland provide a place of peace and beauty where imagination reigns, children lead, and families thrive. 

Donations may be given via our secure online form, mailed to 699 Bellevue Ave. Oakland, CA 94610, or made through stock transfer or IRA rollover. Contact development@fairyland.org with any questions.

Happy holidays!

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C.J. Hirschfield has served for 16 years as executive director of Children’s Fairyland, where she is charged with the overall operation of the nation’s oldest storybook theme park.