Welcome to the SoJo Foundation
Spreading Compassion.
Delivering Hope. Changing Lives—Since 2017.
We’re a community-powered nonprofit based in San Jose, CA, on a mission to uplift the homeless and underserved with warm meals, essential clothing, and human connection.
Our Impact — Thanks to You
Since 2017, your support has helped us achieve:
1,050+
Hot Meals Delivered
475+
Sweaters & Warm Clothes Distributed
1,500+
Families Uplifted
$10,000+
Raised for food, clothing, and emergency resources
And we’re growing every year.
Our Story: From a Simple Thought to a Citywide Movement
Hi, I’m Sophia, founder of the SoJo Foundation.
This all began in 2017, when I was just 8 years old. While celebrating Thanksgiving, I couldn’t stop thinking about those who didn’t have a warm meal—or a safe place to call home. That thought turned into action.
By Christmas Eve, I was out in the streets of San Jose handing out hot rotisserie chickens and warm clothing.
That small act of kindness has grown into an annual tradition and a thriving community initiative.
Together, we’ve now served over 1,000 hot meals, distributed nearly 500 pieces of clothing, and helped more than 2,000 families throughout the Bay Area.
But we’re not done. We’re just getting started.
Highlights from Past Events
2017
My Christmas Eve!
During my Christmas Eve, me and my family brought a meal to 40 homeless and poor. I was astonished of how hard their life is.
We thought of the idea at Thanksgiving, while talking of how wonderful our meal was, and how less fortunate weren’t able to have such wonderful meal. We wanted to share our Christmas spirit with some of them. So we decided that we would raise $200 before Christmas Eve ($200 could buy 40 rotisserie chicken at Costco), buy 40 rotisserie chicken at Costco, and give them to the homeless. So we sent a fund raise message to friends and relatives, that we could use some help raising $200, and asked if they would donate. I got some very heartful help. Thank you! Fast forward a month, we achieved our goal, raised $200.
2018
Building Momentum
By the following year, I had grown more ambitious. With the help of friends and family, we raised enough money to purchase 50 rotisserie chickens. On Christmas Eve, we distributed meals along the same route, meeting people living in tents and temporary shelters. We partnered with another family who distributed blankets and clothing to make a bigger impact, providing not just warm food, but for the body.
2019
This year I made my 3rd Annual Chicken Run happen
In 2019, homelessness in San Jose expanded further. I raised about $300 in donations from friends and family, and my mom matched it so we could have a combined total of $600. We bought 75 rotisserie chickens from Costco along with sweaters to give out and keep people warm.
2020
Working During a Pandemic
The pandemic didn’t stop us. It made our mission more important. In 2020, we raised $800 to purchase 80 rotisserie chickens and 30 sweaters. With masks, gloves, and precautions in place, we delivered meals to camps along the Coyote Creek Trail, Roosevelt Park, and St. James Park.
The year was challenging for everyone, but the people we served reminded me of all our resilience and generosity. Despite having so little, some even shared their meals with others. Moments like these are why we do this.
2021
Persevering Through Challenges
A sprained ankle and pouring rain delayed our annual Chicken Run to December 30, but we made it happen. With 120 chickens and 75 flannel shirts, we visited camps along Monterey Highway and into the Tully community.
Even in difficult conditions, people were kind, and grateful. One man offered me a brand-new tent to give to someone else, while another woman shared rice lunches she had cooked on her food truck. These acts from those with so little humbled me.
2022
Chicken Run 2022
Hi, this is Sophia, and now I am 14 years old. This year it was already the 6th Annual SoJo Foundation Chicken Run.
San Jose homelessness in 2022 remained devastating. Nearly three-fourths of them were unsheltered and camping out in tents, in cars, or along sidewalks. By foot and vehicle through downtown and along Monterey Highway and through “jungle” camps, I could see firsthand just what those numbers represented—real human beings barely holding on to keep warm and nourished right in our own community.
2023
A Family Effort
This year, we raised $1,600 again and delivered 150 chickens and warm jackets to camps and individuals in downtown San Jose. It was a special year for two reasons: my grandfather joined us for the first time, and I contributed my own earnings from refereeing fencing tournaments.
The smiles and gratitude we encountered, as people shared their meals and jackets with others, reminded me why we do this. As I handed out meals and ventured deeper into camps with my dad, I saw firsthand that even small gestures could spark joy and hope
2024
Chicken Run 2024
It’s currently Christmas Eve, 2024, and I am sitting on the floor of my room, writing this. I have just finished my 9th annual Chicken Run as of a handful of hours ago, and I am so grateful, relieved, and happy that I was able to make over 100 lives a little merrier on Christmas Eve.
This year we were able to raise a little short of our donation goal, raising $1,200; nonetheless, I am extremely grateful for everyone who was able to help and chip in. With the $1,200, we were able to purchase one hundred rotisserie chickens, as well as many warm coats, sweaters, and jackets, and personally hand them out as usual. However, there were a few significant factors that made this year stand out from the others.
Our Core Values
We operate on three powerful principles:
Compassion
Every person deserves to feel seen, cared for, and supported.
Direct Impact
We deliver food, clothing, and services directly to where they’re needed most—no red tape.
Community
Our strength comes from you—our friends, families, neighbors, and supporters.
How You Can Help
Donate Today
Every dollar goes straight to food, clothing, and supplies.
Spread the Word
Share our story and follow us on social media.
Volunteer
Help deliver meals, pack supplies, or join our events.
Give Goods
We accept clothing, hygiene kits, and seasonal gear.
Services We Offer
Food & Clothing
We provide essential meals and clothing directly to homeless camps and individuals.
Chicken Run
Our annual meal delivery event brings warmth and nourishment every winter.
Special Services
We also provide masks, hygiene kits, and connections to shelter and support resources.
Help Us Reach Our Next Goal
We’re ramping up social media campaigns, local fundraisers, and outreach events to expand our reach. Your support makes this possible.
Quotes
Read our beneficiaries, volunteers, and partners share their inspiring stories and experiences. Discover how your support is making a meaningful difference in communities and lives around the world.
Stay Connected
Got questions? Want to collaborate or learn more? We’d love to hear from you!
- Based in San Jose, CA
- info@sojofoundation.org