Our Story, Brighter Christmas of Tracy
It all started in 1976 when our founder, Gene Birk, and three other Tracy businessmen were having lunch at the Tracy Inn. They were talking about a local family who had lost their home and belongings in a fire just before Christmas.
They each put in $10 and played a game of dice. Gene lost the game and was elected to purchase Christmas presents for the family’s three children, including two boys and a four-year-old girl named Tina.
Gene went to Woolworths on 10th Street and purchased a truck and ball for the boys and a big doll for Tina. When he delivered the gifts, the family had little more than a tree branch leaning against the wall, a small table, and a mattress on the floor.
Little Tina peeked around the doorway as Gene brought the doll out from behind his back and asked, “Is Tina here? I have this doll from Santa.”
That simple act of kindness started a tradition that continues today. As we celebrate our 50th year in 2026, we also celebrate the life and legacy of Gene Birk, who passed away in 2025. For 50 years, Gene’s spirit of generosity has lived on through Brighter Christmas and a community that continues to make Christmas brighter for local families.
Only one year later (1977), Gene was able to organize the delivery of toys to 56 Tracy families in need.
It has now been more than 45 years since that Christmas with Tina, and Gene’s heart and vision keeps growing. In 2023, through the efforts of a growing volunteer army, Brighter Christmas of Tracy provided toys, books, and food to over 600 under resourced families, including over 1,250 children.
Brighter Christmas of Tracy is sustained through the generous support of our donors, which enables us to effectively serve our community. Ninety-seven percent of all money raised goes toward the purchase of food and new toys. Some contributors ask that their contribution go toward our Brighter Christmas Scholarship Program.