2020 has not been the greatest of years for many folks out there. From wildfires in the West to COVID-19, the year has dealt us a year to test our adversity and our human spirit. As we head into the holidays, we wanted to encourage everyone who is in a position to help others to please do so. Some ideas…

  • Donate to a food bank. There are many people less fortunate that could use a hand with keeping their families fed, especially over the holidays.
  • Donate to a shelter or local Make a Wish center. Winter coats, gloves, hats, shoes, and any other article of clothing can be especially important as the weather becomes colder.
  • Toy drives. This year, perhaps more than others, kids need to be able play and toys may be hard to come by from those struggling with employment and health concerns.

We also wanted to thank our employees for the many causes that they supported over the course of 2020. Among these, here are two examples we highlighted during the year:

FormFactor established a wildfire relief fund targeting the needs of those affected by the ongoing western states wildfires. The company chose the American Red Cross for their donation destination and encouraged its employees to contributing. Over the following two months, FormFactor pledged to match employee donations. With facilities in both California and Oregon, two states which experienced the devastating effects of the massive wildfires, this cause especially hit home!

Last month, FormFactor and our employees presented a check to the American Red Cross for $30,970! Well done!

Another shout out goes to Ryan Garrison. As you may have read in an earlier blog, Ryan and his fellow Parent Teacher Club members in Beaverton, Oregon, raised funds to help supply sturdy, cardboard desks for those students who are learning remotely due to COVID-19. He and his colleagues raised more than $15,000, enough to purchase and supply 350 remote learners. Nice job, Ryan!

We encourage all our employees, colleagues, partners, and readers to do what they can to make the holidays bright for everyone in need. While there are many things to put behind us over the course of 2020, there still are many reasons to celebrate those who made a difference this year!