Greetings Waccsters,
In economic times such as these, most non-profits/charities suffer tremendously. Donations and volunteerism are down across the board, especially with the holiday season fast approaching. There seems to be no shortage of really good causes to support around Sonoma Co. I am hoping you can all take a moment to give a shout out to your favorite local cause, maybe shed some light on some of these programs that could use their community's support. Sometimes spreading the word can be as precious a gift as a personal check.
Thanks in advance!
divine inspiration
10-28-2009, 08:10 PM
Love this idea! I want to know who is doing the most good for the people in need in our community.
I don't donate to many causes, usually, but I am feeling blessed that my business kept going in the recent economic free fall, my job and house are still secure, and life is good for me.
However I know the food banks are coming up way short with the increased demand, so I am donating to Redwood Empire Food Bank. I often hear their name in connection with all kind of events, so I think they are vital .
babaruss
10-28-2009, 10:16 PM
There is a tiny little church in Monte Rio called St Andrew's Mission which provides groceries weekly groceries to about 180 people as well as bi-monthly dinners. The weekly packages have gotten smaller and the dinner less often due to financial burden.
The nice thing about them is they never turn anyone away, and unlike Redwood Gospel Mission..they don't force their religion on the needy.
There are also similar food distribution sites throughout the county.
This just happens to be one where I have enjoyed participating in their little endeavor.
Babaruss
Greetings Waccsters,
In economic times such as these, most non-profits/charities suffer tremendously. Donations and volunteerism are down across the board, especially with the holiday season fast approaching. There seems to be no shortage of really good causes to support around Sonoma Co. I am hoping you can all take a moment to give a shout out to your favorite local cause, maybe shed some light on some of these programs that could use their community's support. Sometimes spreading the word can be as precious a gift as a personal check.
Thanks in advance!
Sara S
10-29-2009, 06:14 AM
Well, maybe it isn't exactly a charity, but I volunteer for the Adult Literacy Service, through the library, which is a wonderful program teaching people to read. Info here:
Sonoma County Library
Third and E Streets
Santa Rosa, CA 95404 [email protected]
(707) 545-0831 Ext. 573
And the Guerneville Senior Center can always use some help; I donate to them.
helenscott08
10-29-2009, 10:15 AM
I volunteer for McDonald Ranch.Org, located here in Santa Rosa on St. Helena Road. They are a certified non-profit organization who do much good for both the Youth and animals. They are a YOUTH UNIVERSITY and an ANIMAL SANCTUARY.
I recently attended one of their functions and was really surprised at how many children were there, and obviously happy to be there. I saw great pride among the children when they were praised for something they had done in the course of their visits to the Ranch...and the animals are all well cared for. Good place for both animals and children to enjoy and Learn to to care for others.
Thanks for opportunity to voice my thoughts about this very helpful organization.
helen
Sara S
10-30-2009, 05:47 AM
I forgot: the other charity I regularly donate to is the Meals on Wheels (SC Wheels Agency on Aging)
Cheingrand
10-30-2009, 03:05 PM
I volunteer at Sebastopol's Inter-church Food Pantry and there is always need for more support (money buys food from the Redwood Empire Food Bank and donated food goes directly to folks who need it). Though sponsored by local churches and located at the Episcopal Church, there is never a word about religion to people picking up food. In fact I was never asked if I had a church (I don't).
Our family gives the bulk of our annual charitable giving to the Sonoma Chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). This grass roots organization does an amazing job helping individuals and families find their way during difficult times.
RecycleSonomaCounty
10-30-2009, 07:28 PM
This is a very deserving Charity. No one ever is paid a salary and all participants attend every activity for free. What can be better. Bob Burke's Kids was there for us when we were told that our child may not live. Our precious little tiny daughter was so sick and we were so scared. They offered us relief, kindness and a special place just for special kids.
And for those who's children die due to there illness or disabilities,,Bob continues to welcome the families to attend the program and provides them with support during the darkest times.
I think Bob Burke is a Local Hero !!:waccosmile:
Instead of tights and a cape he's more likely to don a Santa Claus or Easter Bunny suit, but Bob Burke definitely has special powers. Burke's powers help him put a smile of the faces of children battling serious illnesses and their families is quite noble. We have donated cash to them on several occasions and when we attended often we would make vegie stew and serve it along with the hot dogs and hambergers at the summer BBQs.
We met many wonderful families over the years and have made lifetime bonds with some of them.
Ok,, one final comment. Our child is thriving today and I believe Bob played a part in that.
Thanks for this thread.. it was quite thought provoking and possitive during these times.
If interested in helping Bob Burke's Kids contact them at: P.O. Box 601, Forestville, CA 95436; call 707.887.2222; or log on to Bob Burke's Kids (https://www.bobburkeskids.org)
theholly
10-31-2009, 08:00 AM
Please don't forget about Becoming Independent. They took over Middle Way from Sebastopol when they lost thier big contracts. Becoming Independent still does landskaping for people in Sebastopol and other parts of Sonoma County. They also have art projects going on, support community living in Sebastopol and around the county, and a slew of other activities. You can call them at 707-524-6600. Thank you
I volunteer at Sebastopol's Inter-church Food Pantry and there is always need for more support (money buys food from the Redwood Empire Food Bank and donated food goes directly to folks who need it). Though sponsored by local churches and located at the Episcopal Church, there is never a word about religion to people picking up food. In fact I was never asked if I had a church (I don't).
Our family gives the bulk of our annual charitable giving to the Sonoma Chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). This grass roots organization does an amazing job helping individuals and families find their way during difficult times.