We are so proud of the work of our volunteers, the growth of our clients and each opportunity we have to partner in the community. Check out our highlighted news or visit our press archive below.
Get in Touch About Press: Contact Communications Director Christine Loewe at volunteer@scvolunteercenter.org
Make The Holiday Brighter For a Family In Need
Aptos Times, Nov 15, 2020-The Holiday season has begun. The tinsel, glitter and endless supply of holiday baubles have arrived on store shelves, carols have begun playing over loudspeakers, and many are ready to turn their thoughts to the joy of the holiday season. While 2020 has upended so many daily norms, many are determined to not let it diminish the spirit that comes with the holiday. Unfortunately, while some are thinking of creative ways for safe, socially distant celebrations many others are managing deep struggle this year. For those who lost their homes in the CZU fire, were impacted by COVID layoffs, and those facing a variety of economic and social hardships, the holidays bring yet another burden........Continue Reading
Be the Difference Awards Gala Reinvented
Aptos Times, Nov 14, 2020-The Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz County, along with presenting sponsor Santa Cruz Community Credit Union, celebrated the 2020 Be the Difference Awards honoring individuals, groups and businesses that transform Santa Cruz County through volunteerism.This year the awards gala happened online via a pre-recorded watch party celebration Oct. 21 on the Volunteer Center website, Facebook page and YouTube channel. ........Continue Reading
Volunteer Center Salutes 'Difference' Honorees
Santa Cruz Sentinel, Oct 21, 2020-The Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz County will celebrate the 2020 Be the Difference Awards at noon Wednesday to honor the individuals, groups and businesses that transform Santa Cruz County through volunteerism.“While this year will look like never before in our 14-year history of the awards, we promise an incredible hour of lunchtime inspiration and entertainment social distance style,” said Volunteer Center Director of Communications Christine Loewe in a prepared release. “We encourage all community members to join us in celebration.”........Continue Reading
Thousands of Volunteers Help With Fire Response
KION-CBS- Sept. 4, 2020- The Santa Cruz County Emeline Campus was transformed into a massive donation center for those in need following the devastating CZU Lightning Complex fires. Organizers say hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of donations have been dropped off at the county’s two donation centers. 2,700 volunteers signed up to help at donation centers and shelters. However, the Santa Cruz Volunteer Centers say they will need even more help........Continue Reading
2000+ Volunteers Help With Fire Response
Capitola Times- August 27, 2020 - As the CZU Lightning Complex Fire burns for the tenth day, more than 2,000 community members have stepped up as volunteers and registered to help through the Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz County. Volunteers are being mobilized to help with critical needs including supporting evacuees at the evacuation shelters, providing mental health counseling, sorting and disseminating donations at the donation relief centers, providing over the phone assistance to new volunteers, and helping local emergency operations teams with data entry.........Continue Reading
Coastline: Center Seeks Community Volunteers
Santa Cruz Sentinel- August 27, 2020 - In the wake of the Lightning Complex Fire, more than 2,000 community members have registered to help through the Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz County. Volunteers help with a variety of critical needs including supporting evacuees at the evacuation shelters, providing mental health counseling, sorting and disseminating donations at the donation relief centers, providing over the phone assistance to new volunteers, and helping local emergency operations teams with data entry.........Continue Reading
Nonprofit Adaptability and Emergency Preparedness
Santa Cruz Sentinel- August 15, 2020 - In October, 2019 the Volunteer Center entered into a partnership with 24 nonprofits selected from across the state of Calfornia to serve as a California LISTOS Campaign Partner with the California Department of Energy. The goal for Santa Cruz County–To reach 11,500 low-income families, seniors living alone, and adults with a Mental Health Diagnosis with information, training, and emergency preparedness resources in 2020 .....Continue Reading
Enhancing Safety and Creating Connections Through Groceries
Santa Cruz Sentinel- August 15, 2020 - As the pandemic unfolded many nonprofits were asked to shutter their doors. Still determined to provide services, staff with the Volunteer Center Senior Programs jumped into action to develop creative new ways to maintain valuable connections with their most vulnerable participants .....Continue Reading
Human Race’s 1,300 Raise $175,000: Virtual Event Aids 82 Nonprofits, Schools, Community Groups
Aptos Times- June 1, 2020 - Nonprofits are no stranger to doing more with less and finding creative ways to tackle community problems with limited budgets. But 2020 has proven to be a year like no other as the world faces a global pandemic and community needs rise to historic proportions.........Continue Reading
New Grocery Shopper Program Aids Seniors: Forty-Five Volunteers Help 235 People; More Clients, Volunteers Welcome
Aptos Times & Captiola Times- June 1, 2020 - Over the past two months as businesses, schools, and nonprofits have shuttered their doors and suspended programs, staff with the Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz County Senior Programs chose to focus their efforts on finding safe ways to maintain valuable connections with their most vulnerable senior participants........Continue Reading
‘Keep the Lights On’: Human Race Pivots to Virtual Finale
Santa Cruz Sentinel- May 4, 2020 - In its 40th year, Santa Cruz’s Human Race campaign will adapt to the coronavirus pandemic by going fully virtual in support of the county’s nonprofits, schools and faith-based organizations...This Tuesday, “Giving Tuesday Now” nationally, the Volunteer Center will host a watch party premiere for its “Keep the Lights on Santa Cruz County” campaign......Continue Reading
