Sleeping Bag Drive

This program started in 1994 as “Toy drive” for Christmas. It evolved into “sleeping bag drive” in last ten years. With membership contributions, during holidays, we delivered 50 sleeping bags in the first year.

To meet the increased need in the community the target count is 900 sleeping bags.

Y2022 update

  • Target: 900 bags
  • Suggested donation per bag: $35


CMSJ community has been a consistent supporter. Please support this need again this year by donating at  cmsj.org/support-us.

This drive is very much appreciated by Emergency Housing Consortium (now known as Home First) of Santa Clara County, Alameda County, Contra costa County and fire victims in Northern California..

Distribution Venue Details:

ATTN: Several people tested positive for COVID at the Sunnyvale Family Shelter. Unfortunately, we cannot participate in the sleeping bag distribution this year. They will be dropped off. Please do NOT go to the shelter on Saturday, 12/3 at 6 pm.


Date: Saturday, 3rd December 2022
Time: 6:30 pm (arrive at 6 pm to being distribution at 6:30 PM)
Location: Sunnyvale Shelter
Address: 999 Hamlin Ct, Sunnyvale, CA 94089, United States.

Distribution Requirements:
1. The minimum age to be at the shelter as a volunteer/donor is 13 years old.

2. With some changes in policy the Shelter will need to check the vaccination records of everyone when they arrive, we don’t need a copy, just proof of vaccination and at least one booster.

3. We would also need everyone to sign a volunteer agreement that Homefirst uses as a waiver. Please fill out the PDF document, which should be turned in when you arrive at the shelter. Volunteer Agreement Form

4. Upon entering you will need to take your temperature and check in with staff.

If you have any questions: Contact: Balaji Venkatraman.

Y2021 update

  • Target: 350 bags Delivered 750 bags
  • Suggested donation per bag: $30

Winter 2015

Update from the sleeping bag distribution at the Home First shelter. Happy Holidays. Thank you Balaji Venkatraman for leading this drive.

Posted by Chinmaya Community Service Bay Area on Wednesday, December 30, 2015

Winter 2014

The Sunnyvale Armory closed its doors in 2014. The Community Service team scouted new places that serve the needy and the distribution was expanded across the Bay Area.

2014 Report

  • Sleeping bag count : 250
  • Sites served : 6 each site took in different numbers based on their needs ranging from 20-75 bags 
  • Locations : San Jose to Livermore
  • Funds raised: $4746 

Locations served

Site Lead
Abode Services, 40849 Fremont Boulevard, Fremont, CA Madhu Krishnan madsub@yahoo.com
HomeFirst, Little Orchard Street and Valley Medical (Respite program) brv@yahoo.com
Evergreen Valley School District – homeless families brv@yahoo.com
East Palo Alto Rotarians rpyapali@gmail.com
Livermore Homeless Refuge amritha.Umesh@cmsj.org
Contact Us

We're not around right now. But you can send us an email and we'll get back to you asap.