Community Means Everyone Every Day and Perhaps Especially Now

Making your holidays more memorable may start by helping others enjoy their own.

The 2013 Point-In-Time Homeless Census & Survey indicates more than 1,000 of our neighbors in south Santa Clara County are homeless.  We have thousands of additional households struggling to put food on the table and clothing on their children.

There are many non-profit organizations including churches and others who tirelessly offer help and need your support.  Keep in mind that financial commitment and volunteering your time are both great ways to help.  Here are four such local initiatives (in no specific order):

ST. JOSEPH'S FAMILY CENTER:

The volunteers behind this center will be providing holiday dinners and baking materials to hungry families.  They have a goal of 750 turkeys for Thanksgiving and an additional 750 for Christmas.

In addition, they need living supplies (such as blankets, socks and tents) and food to provide to our homeless.  This support isn't just during the holidays, but year round handing out approximately 100 lunches per week day.

For more information call 408-842-6662 ext 26 or visit their website here.

SCRA "Can Tree" FOOD DRIVE:

Our local Realtors (South County Realtor Alliance) has an annual drive for canned food and donations.  We started this initiative in the 1980s and continue it yearly.  Beginning in October we hold weekly raffles during our Broker Tour Meeting which raise money directly from us.

In addition, we have donation barrels at various locations in Gilroy and Morgan Hill.  For additional information see our website here  or call me. 

OPERATION GOBBLE GOBBLE:

This initiative began in 2010 through the efforts of Kulia Lemus and other volunteers.  They provide complete holidays meals for selected families.   Their Thanksgiving goal is to feed 100 families in Gilroy and Hollister.  They're holding two turkey drives and are asking for gift cards.  For more information e-mail them at operationgobblegobble@yahoo.com

GILROY COMPASSION CENTER:

This Gilroy organizations has plans to eventually become a year-round homeless shelter.  They offer day services and some social services to those who need it.

You can help by donating food, clothing/hygiene items and/or your time.  Find out more information, donate online or find out how to volunteer here or call 408-763-7120.

We all have times in our lives when we need help from others.  It may not be food or clothing, but everyone needs something from someone else.  Being responsive to those needs makes this a better world.

As always, let's foresee the possibilities . . . and get results!