Wish Book’s history of giving is set to continue

For 41 years, readers have been compelled to donate by stories of community’s vulnerable

Girls huddle during “Healthy Competition in Sports” with volunteers from the Gavilan women’s basketball team during Bay Area Women’s Sports Initiative’s BAWSI Girls event at Hubbard Media Arts Academy in San Jose, on Oct. 11. The initiative is a beneficiary of Wish Book. NHAT V. MEYER — STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Volunteer Timo Chiavetta gives boxes of hot meals to a client at Loaves and Fishes. DAI SUGANO — STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Andrew de la Cruz, right, puts air in a tire for Nathaniel Beltran, top center, 12. NHAT V. MEYER — STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Former foster youth Aleta Smith, 28, center, takes part at Fostering Promise in San Jose. DAI SUGANO — STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

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By Sandra Gonzales

sgonzales@bayareanewsgroup.com

The need in our community is greater than ever, as many of our neighbors still face deep challenges.

Over the next several weeks, we will share inspiring stories that illustrate the resiliency of the human spirit — sparking awe, compassion and empathy.

In our annual Mercury News’ Wish Book series centered on giving — now in its 41st year — we will recount the journey of those who have forged ahead with grit and determination despite economic uncertainty, debilitating illness and devastating loss.

You will read about a nonprofit that helps families struggling to care for aging parents and a woman suffering from a rare form of epilepsy who is in desperate need of a medical monitoring device that can help save her life. And you will discover the fortitude of Karen Arellano, a single mother and the daughter of immigrants who, with the help of a Milpitas nonprofit, overcame seemingly insurmountable odds to attend Stanford University.

Today we offer a preview of these stories in our special Wish Book magazine. The full stories will appear throughout the holiday season.

We hope you can make their wishes come true.