Santa-approved nonprofits that are deserving of your donations
The pumpkin spice lattes are in full effect and
holiday cheer is just around the corner. As we cruise into November, we
enter the time of year when giving our money, time or resources is at
the forefront of our minds. Here in the Bay Area, we have a plethora of
people and organizations doing beautiful, important work in the
community. We thought we'd highlight a few smaller ones that may not be
on your radar.
Food Runners
Nothing goes to waste
via Website
It's a figure almost too massive to comprehend: more than 100 billion pounds
of food is wasted every year in the United States. One big reason for
that is that grocery stores, restaurants, hotels, corporate cafeterias
and other businesses are required to throw out perfectly good perishable
food within a certain amount of time. That’s where Food Runners
comes in. Partnering with more than 450 restaurants, caterers, farmers
markets and more, the organization delivers more than 5,000 meals a day
thanks to volunteers who donate time, money and food, and local shelters, which distribute the meals to our hungry fellow citizens.Samaritan House
Neighbor helping neighbor
via Facebook
The concept of neighbors helping neighbors embodies the work done by Samaritan House in San Mateo. This nonprofit seems to have a program for everything — free
clinics, housing, clothing, food services and one-on-one case
management to help people get back on their feet. The personal,
comprehensive approach helps Samaritan House achieve its mission to "preserve dignity, promote self-sufficiency and provide hope." There are various ways to get involved, from lending your time to shopping via Amazon Smile.Youth Radio
Find your voice
via Facebook
You’ve probably heard their segments on KQED and KALW. The stories are so well done that you likely couldn't tell where Youth Radio ended
and NPR began. It was founded in 1993 as an outlet for young people to
process their thoughts, feelings and experiences as well as tell their
own stories. Available to diverse, low-income high school students at no
cost, Youth Radio offers classes and internships to teach motivated
teens the ins and outs of journalism, music, media and creative
expression. Last year, its students had a 97 percent high school
graduation rate and an 87 percent college enrollment rate. How can you
help out? First of all, tune in — but you can also donate.Bay Area Outreach & Recreation Program
Helping our neighbors with physical disabilities get active
via Website
We came across the Bay Area Outreach & Recreation Program,
aka BORP, during its annual Revolution Ride and Festival this
September. The fundraising cycling event in sun-drenched Sonoma wine
country is just one of many ways BORP helps people with physical
disabilities connect, stay active and have fun. Throughout the year, the
40-year-old organization provides programs like adaptive cycling,
outdoor adventures, adult wheelchair basketball, sled hockey and so much
more. Check out the many ways to donate.Muttville
Throw a dog a bone
via Facebook
Maybe you can’t
teach an old dog new tricks, but you can show him lots of love. Many
healthy, happy senior dogs are euthanized because their guardians dump
them and other people are unwilling to adopt them. That’s where the fine
folks at Muttville
come in. After rescuing senior dogs from high-kill shelters, they work
to adopt them into loving forever homes, where they can live out their
golden years with love and comfort. That’s where you come in. Get
involved by volunteering or donating money — and, of course, you can adopt a loving canine companion into your own family.Article and images sourced from http://www.savoteur.com/usa/lock-in-your-spot-on-the-nice-list
