“Children have little or no choices in life. And, those who live in our homeless shelters and transitional housing have even fewer,” says Lois Pavlow. “But the reality is that every child deserves hope.”

As founder of Children of Shelters in 1995, Pavlow has created a Bay Area organization designed to help fill the needs of children who are living in shelters.

It is estimated that 4,000 children are living in or being served by transitional shelters in San Francisco. To raise funds to serve these children, the organization has two signature fundraising events that have become a holiday tradition for many: Jingle & Mingle and SantaFest.

This year’s Jingle & Mingle will be held Thursday December 3rd, 2009 at The Officer’s Club in The Presidio. Guests will enjoy a cocktail reception and signature hors d’oeuvres served by San Francisco’s finest restaurants while bidding on amazing designer wreaths in a festive holiday setting.

A wreath designed by Orlando Diaz-Azcuy in 2006

SantaFest on Saturday, December 5th, 2009, is a morning family party that features crafts, decorations, and a visit with Santa himself!

General tickets will be available soon, and sponsorship levels are available now. Please visit www.cos-sf.org for more information.