Community Enhancement
This is the fourth year California is seeing an explosion of fires, and the flames have arrived months earlier this time around. The current blazes have charred nearly a million acres so far, which is more than the area burned during a typical fire season. There are many who’ve lost their homes and/or are displaced. Let’s not forget the first responders and fire fighters who are battling these fires. If you’re looking for a way to help, here are some groups you can consider supporting who are currently tackling the challenge
Donations will go to the Red Cross’ disaster relief efforts. Visit redcross.org, call 800-RED-CROSS, or text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation. For more information, click here.
This foundation provides emotional and financial assistance to families of fallen firefighters, active firefighters and the communities they protect.
CDP California Wildfires Recovery Fund:
Help the Center for Disaster Philanthropy support those affected by the wildfires.
GlobalGiving — California Wildfire:
Providing support for firefighters and supplying food, water and medicine to people in need.
Has launched a centralized hub of fundraisers that will help residents who have lost their homes and have been displaced by the fires. In addition, they have launched California Wildfire Cause General Fund to offer relief to Californians in need.
Monterey County Community Resilience Program:
Send supplies, donate money or lend a hand to those impacted by the River Fire.
Donations support disaster relief for the current wildfires as well as potential future disasters.
Tony LaRussa’s Animal Rescue Foundation:
ARF partners in emergency disaster relief and provides help with animals in need.
Supports undocumented individuals and families in Sonoma County including farm workers, which the organization noted in a recent Facebook post are particularly impacted during the dual crises of the pandemic and the wildfires.
Supporting immediate, mid- and long-term recovery efforts for major California wildfires.
They have already been up and running in Vacaville and will continue to help across the state.
Help by Region:
LNU Lightning Complex (Sonoma, Lake, Solano, Yolo and Napa Counties)
Angwin Fire operates its station on a very small budget. Napa County provides the apparatus and turnout gear, but the building and extras belong to the community of Angwin. The annual $27,000 budget and maintenance is 100% supported by the generous donations that you give.
Napa Valley Community Foundation’s 2020 Napa County Wildfire Fund:
Providing relief and recovery services to those affected by this most recent disaster in Napa Valley.
The North Bay Fire Relief Fund (NBFRF) was created by Redwood Credit Union Community Fund to support the immediate needs of North Bay fire survivors in the four impacted counties of Sonoma, Napa, Mendocino and Lake.
SCU Lightning Complex (Contra Costa, Alameda, Santa Clara, Stanislaus and San Joaquin Counties)
Grants from this fund will help nonprofits provide individuals and families impacted by the wildfires.
CZU Lightning Complex (Santa Cruz and San Mateo Counties)
Big Basin Redwoods Recovery Fund:
Donations are needed to rebuild Big Basin Redwoods State Park.
Community Foundation Santa Cruz County:
This foundation is seeking help to support those affected by the lightning complex fires.
Donations needed to help provide staffing at the Half Moon Bay Evacuation Center 24/7 and hotel vouchers.
Volunteer Opportunities
BAYSIDE/MILK VISUAL & PERFORMING ARTS PROGRAMS
How you can help: Volunteer
- Visual Arts – help in classes or after school – contact: efranz@smcsd.org
- Music – Lessons or provide performance opportunity – contact: jholtzclaw@smcsd.org or ettennoj6@msn.com
- Theater & Dance – contact Arts Liaison, Ellen Franz with ideas – contact: efranz@smcsd.org
Donate (and receive a tax deduction)
- Musical instruments – contact ettennoj6@msn.com
- Art Supplies – The art studio is in need of magazines (sports & featuring people of color) and used wrapping paper (not holiday themed) for art making contact: efranz@smcsd.org
- Financial Gifts – contact: org or send it to The Center for Excellence – PO Box 643, Sausalito CA 94966
BLOSSOM PROJECT
- Blossom started by supporting homeless women in the Bay Area by providing them with much needed sanitary products. To personalize this, they are asking for handwritten notes to accompany the products.
- You can help by picking up a card and write the message: “To one woman from another, we care. Be safe.” Your signature.
- Mail the card to: WeWork Civic Center, Attn: Blossom Project 1161 Mission Street, SF CA 94103
There are lots of ways to get involved or for more information go to: blossom-project.org
BOYS AND GIRLS CLUBS
- The “STAR Clubhouse” needs volunteers to help with homework, assist running programs, reading to members, playing games or organizing.
- For more information about becoming a volunteer, contact: Dana
BRIDGE THE GAP
- Volunteers and Tutor/Mentors are needed to support the education of Marin City Youth. Opportunities are available in the after-school and evening programs.
- For more information and/or to volunteer, contact: Pam Flores pamflores@btgcollegeprep.org – 415.339.9411 http://btgcollegeprep.org, click on Volunteers
CANAL ALLIANCE
- The Canal Alliance works to help low-income, Spanish speaking immigrants acquire the tools they need to thrive. There are a variety of volunteer opportunities available.
- Contact: 415.454.2640
- canalalliance.org
CARSS (Call a Ride for Sausalito Seniors)
- Drivers needed to provides rides for seniors 60+ or those with disabilities within Sausalito.
- Contact: Connie Captanian, Program Coordinator 944.5474
- infocarrs4you@gmail.com
CENTER FOR DOMESTIC PEACE
- The Center for Domestic Peace leads a comprehensive effort to end domestic violence. As part of their work, they offer transitional housing to families in need. They have a “Wish List” of needs that can be accessed from their site and lots of volunteer opportunities.
- For more information, contact: centerfordomesticpeace.org
FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY BOOK STORE
- Volunteers are needed to shelve books, kibitz with customers & do general organizational chores. They are open Monday, 9 – 5, Wed. & Sat., 10 – 1. Drop-ins welcome.
- Contact Libby Wilkinson 332.0206
MARIN CITY LIBRARY – WISH LIST DONATIONS
- Contribute to the Marin City Library by donating from their “WISH LIST” below.
Contact Diana Lopez, Librarian 415.332.6158 or DLopez@marincounty.org
- Set of rotating caddies $89.99
- Set of Help-Yourself Book Bins $44.99
- Set of 12 student microscopes $89.99
- Prepared slides $49.99
OPEN DOOR MINISTRIES
- Volunteers: Quarterly Friday Hot Meal – either a main dish, vegetable or salad
- Volunteer Assistant Meal Scheduler – Contact Catherine Costas ccostas@yahoo.com
- Clothing Donations Welcomed – Contact Mickey Allison, 415.332.0201 mickeyallison@sbcglobal.net
Blankets, Quilts, Sleeping Bags, Bedding (flat & fitted & pillow cases), Bath Mats, Warm Jackets, Vests (fleece, down, polyester filled), Rain Gear (especially sailing quality), Warm Winter Items, Underwear (used but not over stretched) and Toiletries (shampoo, conditioner & lotions – travel size or partially filled larger bottles)
SAUSALITO HISTORICAL SOCIETY
- The Ice House Visitor Center & Museum hosts over 30,000 visitors annually. Volunteer docents are needed during peak hours in the Museum to welcome visitors and help them appreciate Sausalito history.
To be trained as a volunteer, contact: 289.4117 or info@sausalitohistoricalsociety.org
SAUSALITO SISTER CITIES
- Sausalito has three sister city relationships: Vina del Mar, Chile; Sakaide, Japan; and Cascais, Portugal. Activities of the sister city groups vary and they welcome volunteers and participants in their programs.
- Interested members can contact the following for more information: ino@sausalitosistercities.org
- Sakaide – Dina Hatchuel – dinahatchuel@htaconsulting.com
- Vina del Mar – Monica Finnegan – mfinnegan@urbanrealestateadvisors.com
- Cascais – Cheryl Popp – Cheryl@PoppInc.com
SAUSALITO VILLAGE
- Sausalito Village is a “volunteer first” organization that provides services such as companionship, errands, pet care, etc. to members. Orientation provided.
For more information: 332.3325 or concierge@sausalitovillage.org
VOLUNTEER IN THE LOCAL SCHOOLS
- Classroom volunteer; Tutoring/Mentoring; Cooking; Gardening; Reading; After School Clubs; Library, etc.
- Contact:Judy Kramer, Academic Support Manger, 10,000 Degrees: jkramer@10000degrees.org or call 415.464.6068
- Bayside/MLK – Fred Silverman – fredsilv@comcast.net
- Willow Creek – Debra Fletcher – dfletcher@10000degrees.org
WILDCARE
- There are number of ways to volunteer at Wildcare. You can become a Terwilliger Nature Guide or be a Wildlife Hospital Volunteer to name a few.
For more information or if you choose to donate, check out their website at http://info@discoverwildcare.org
WILLOW CREEK ACADEMY AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM
- Willow Creek Academy’s After School program wants tutors and volunteers to help students with their homework. They welcome special presentations (historical, cultural, etc.) as well.
Contact: Steve Wiig, Director @ swig@willowcreekacademy.org or call 415.205.6481.