With the holidays coming up next week we now finally have a chance to breathe, but if you are still scrambling take a minute to read this and hopefully you will feel so inclined to give back this year. Every year we send out a holiday gift card to all our faithful friends but we wanted to step it up this year in order to really appreciate every single business and person that keeps our doors open (and heaters on) throughout the year. We wanted to both give back to the community but also honor our customers, so we decided to donate to three local charities on their behalf, Valley of the Moon Children’s Center, Canine Companions for Independence and the Redwood Empire Food Bank. Each and every charity was grateful and expressed how much the money would help their organization through the holidays. Valley of the Moon Children’s Center was especially grateful because of their increase in kids this year and the money we gave will help buy Christmas presents! We were invited in to each facility and learned a lot of about each organization, what they do, what they stand for and how they help the community.
Redwood Empire Food Bank provides Sonoma County low-income, seniors, and working families with much needed food to over 178 community based charitable organizations that help the needy, disabled and homeless in our community. They also create meals for families through their Hunger Relief Initiatives including The Backpack Project, Farm to Family School Pantry Program and Emergency Food Assistance Program. If you would like to donate or find out a way to help click here.
Valley of the Moon Children Center in Santa Rosa, California provides abandoned, neglected and abused children a safe place to stay as well as get support including health care and scholarships. A lot of these children have problems at home, are in need of therapy and emotional care or have been abused and the children’s center acts as an emergency shelter when these kids are in need. As a private non-profit that give away $350,000 a year to kids in need through scholarships and grants as well as providing educational programs like music and gardening.
Canine Companion for Independence provides people with disabilities with highly trained assistance dogs as well as ongoing support all at no cost. These dogs are breed and raised until about 2 years old at which time they are matched (through a rigorous screening) with a person in need. These dogs provide needed assistance and companionship throughout their lives that significantly increases the quality of life of those they are paired up with. The best part besides everything I mentioned above? Every day is bring your puppy to work day!
We felt that each of these charities was in line with our vision of Sonoma County providing food, companionship and shelter to those who need it most. We hope you agree. If you have a charity that you think would be a better fit for next year please e-mail us and let us know.
Happy Holidays!