Pacific Wildlife Care

Written by: Shannon Fissori
San Luis Obispo County, CA

As someone who grew up by the ocean and continues to marvel in the wildlife around it, I have a great fondness for those who dedicate their lives to preserve it.

Pacific Wildlife Care is facility in San Luis Obispo County whose mission is to rehabilitate and return injured or orphaned wildlife to their natural habitat. Going beyond this commitment, they also work to educate the public to value and respect wildlife and the environment we share with them.

Like many non-profit organizations, PWC relies heavily on donations and volunteers. They offer a wide variety of volunteer opportunities ranging from office help, phone hotline support and center cleaning to animal care and transport. There’s something for everyone!

Please consider making a contribution today.

Volunteer Match

You want to fulfill a 2013 resolution. You are a student and need community service hours. After a lengthy tv marathon you realize you need to get off the couch...where can you find opportunities to volunteer near you? Right here. 

Enter your city or zip code. Oodles of options pop up. Narrow your search by clicking on issue areas you're interested in from dozens of choices. Define your own adventure in service. You have more talent and energy than you know. Make a difference in your own backyard. Prepare to be surprised by what you find. 

Children's Resource Network of the Central Coast

Written by: Shannon Fissori 

It’s the little things that often seem so big.  Clothing, diapers, school supplies.  They may seem insignificant to many of us but it’s hard imagining life without them.  Unfortunately, due to tough economic times or difficult circumstances, many children in our communities go without these essential items.  Fortunately, there are amazing organizations like the Children’s Resource Network of the Central Coast that help bridge that gap.

This network is a dedicated partnership of volunteers, businesses and family advocates who work collaboratively along with local schools, government agencies and other non-profit organizations to help struggling families.  By collecting and distributing clothes, shoes, school supplies, blankets, diapers and basic household items they provide an invaluable resource to children in our community who are homeless, in foster care or have parents who are financially disadvantaged.

The great thing about their model is that anyone can get involved.  Parents can pass on gently worn maternity clothes to young pregnant mothers.  Students can participate in school drives to collect backpacks for other students.  It fosters a sense of community while helping those in need.

Click here to learn more about the work they do and how you can get involved.

Second Harvest Food Bank

Perspective is everything. The past few weeks of holiday parties and family visits have reminded me to be thankful that I do not worry where my next meal will come from. For far too many families this is not the case. Fortunately there are organizations like Second Harvest Food Bank serving our community.  Second Harvest Food Bank of Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties is one of the largest food banks in the nation. They distribute 45 million pounds of nutritious food to people in need every year, almost half of which is fresh produce.  Second Harvest collaborates with a network of partner agencies including shelters, pantries, soup kitchens, children's programs, senior meal sites, and residential programs.  Make this holiday season special by volunteering at a food bank near you or dropping off donations. Bring the ones you love and make it an annual tradition! You will make a difference and be happy you did.  Please click here to learn more about how you can make an impact!

Holiday Heart

Sunday December 16th my friend Gretchen and I were lucky to participate in  "Santa Run Silicon Valley" to benefit local community programs. The event was a blast with hundreds of runners sporting Santa suits and fun holiday gear. We may have twirled and skipped more than actual running...it counts. 

 

One of the event beneficiaries is "1,000 Hearts for 1,000 Minds" tutoring initiative. Their mission is to find 1,000 caring adult volunteers to serve as tutors and mentors to 1,000 K-8 public school students. 

We learned California has the worst record for literacy among children from low-income households of all 50 states with more than 1.5 million children struggling with literacy statewide. Let's change that! 

Volunteers are asked to commit only one hour a week for 10-12 weeks. With 17 nonprofit partners across the Bay Area there are many locations to serve. You can also show you care by donating books or sharing this volunteer opportunity with friends. Please click here to learn more. 

 

Thank you to the Silicon Valley Leadership Group Foundation for making this annual fundraiser a success.