Our Press
We are so proud of the work of our volunteers, the growth of our participants, 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 our Director of Community Engagement Trēa Robinson at trea@scvolunteercenter.org
2022 "Be the Difference" Awards Ceremony Takes Place May 18 to Recognize Super Star Volunteers
Santa Cruz Record - May 3 - Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz County, which aims to transform lives and communities for good through volunteerism and community engagement, will celebrate the 2022 Be the Difference Awards on May 18.
Presented by the Santa Cruz Community Credit Union, this year’s event will honor 38 individuals, groups and businesses who were nominated by the community and vetted by a panel of community leaders, who served as the judges.................Continue Reading
Volunteer Center's Annual Awards Ceremony Returns May 18th
The Pajaronian - May 3 - Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz County, which aims to transform lives and communities for good through volunteerism and community engagement, will celebrate the 2022 Be the Difference Awards on May 18.
Presented by the Santa Cruz Community Credit Union, this year’s event will honor 38 individuals, groups and businesses who were nominated by the community and vetted by a panel of community leaders, who served as the judges.................Continue Reading
Volunteer Center's Annual Awards Ceremony Returns May 18th
Lookout Santa Cruz -Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz County, which aims to transform lives and communities for good through volunteerism and community engagement, will celebrate the 2022 Be the Difference Awards on May 18.
Presented by the Santa Cruz Community Credit Union, this year’s event will honor 38 individuals, groups and businesses who were nominated by the community and vetted by a panel of community leaders, who served as the judges.................Continue Reading
BOLO Your Place to Go for Things to Do
Lookout Santa Cruz - The Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz County presents Be the Difference Awards - celebrating our county's volunteer super stars. Tickets & information at scvolunteercenter.org
Join us on May 18th for fun and surprises. We promise an inspiring afternoon that is sure to leave you feeling uplifted, inspired and encouraged by all the GOOD in our community. Community Volunteer Super Stars Unite!.................Continue Reading
I-You Venture: Reducing the Isolation
Santa Cruz Sentinel - March 31 - When a person first moves to a care facility, they naturally experience challenging emotions due to this big transition. As time goes on, these emotions may ebb and flow, but a sense of isolation often continues. This was exacerbated during the pandemic, and the local program I-You Venture stepped in to help............“I-You Venture started collecting and distributing cards to seniors in care facilities,” says Nancy. “We have averaged 800-1,000 cards a month, along with various activity items (crossword puzzles, word search books and adult coloring books). This past Valentine’s Day we collected and distributed over 3,500 cards to 1,000 residents and brightened everyone’s day.”........Also, the Santa Cruz Volunteer Center (scvolunteercenter.org) often lists volunteer opportunities for I-You Venture and other worthwhile programs in our county..............Continue Reading
Santa Cruz County Bank Announces Promotion of Mary Anne Carson
Yahoo!Finance - March 31 - Santa Cruz County Bank (OTCQX: SCZC), with assets of $1.70 billion, is a top-rated community bank headquartered in Santa Cruz County. The Bank is pleased to announce the promotion of Mary Anne Carson from Senior Vice President to Executive Vice President.......Mary Anne is actively involved with the local community and non-profit organizations, and currently serves in board, committee and advisory roles with Santa Cruz Shakespeare, the Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz County and Santa Cruz Gives. ..................Continue Reading
Volunteers Needed To Create Easter & Spring Cards For Seniors
Patch - March 24 - Volunteers are needed to write cards for seniors in residential homes that may be feeling lonely or isolated due to the pandemic.
Cards can be dropped off at the following locations in Santa Cruz:
- FSA/I-You Venture at 104 Walnut Avenue, #208
- Santa Cruz Volunteer Center, Attn: FSA, at 1740 17th Avenue
For more information call (831) 459-8917, extension 205..................Continue Reading
Coast Line | Literacy program of Santa Cruz County seeks volunteer tutors
Santa Cruz Sentinel - March 22 - The Literacy Program of the Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz County invites all interested individuals to a free online orientation to learn about becoming a volunteer tutor to a motivated adult English language learner.
Community members are invited to join Literacy Program staff and volunteers for an informative and casual online conversation via zoom designed to help individuals determine if this volunteer opportunity is the right fit before committing to the comprehensive tutor skills training course.................Continue Reading
Delaney addresses lawmakers
Santa Cruz Sentinel - March 13 - The vital role of the Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz County, in particular its work over the last two years providing essential COVID-19 and fire response to the community, has been noticed by state nonprofit sector leaders as well as state government leaders.
On Feb. 17, Karen Delaney, executive director of the Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz County, was one of eight nonprofits in California to provide testimony at the Joint Assembly/Senate select committee hearing on the topic of “Ensuring Nonprofits are Supported and Thrive during Future Emergencies.”
To listen to testimony, visit www.youtube.com/watch?v=4vGlZjzNt2M.....................Continue Reading
Nominations for ‘Be The Difference’ Awards Open
GoodTimes - March 11 -The Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz County has opened the nomination period for the 15th Annual Be the Difference Awards. The awards honor the individuals, groups, nonprofits and businesses that transform Santa Cruz County through volunteerism.
People can share their stories of inspiration by nominating worthy candidates through March 23.
Each year the Volunteer Center reaches out to the community asking for stories of dedicated volunteers, nonprofits that effectively engage volunteers, and businesses that champion civic engagement. In 2020 the event went virtual during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic. In 2021 the Volunteer Center took a break from the event to focus on the pressing needs of the community....................Continue Reading
Nominations for Be The Difference Awards open
The Pajaronian - March 10 -The Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz County has opened the nomination period for the 15th Annual Be the Difference Awards. The awards honor the individuals, groups, nonprofits and businesses that transform Santa Cruz County through volunteerism.
People can share their stories of inspiration by nominating worthy candidates through March 23.
Each year the Volunteer Center reaches out to the community asking for stories of dedicated volunteers, nonprofits that effectively engage volunteers, and businesses that champion civic engagement. In 2020 the event went virtual during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic. In 2021 the Volunteer Center took a break from the event to focus on the pressing needs of the community....................Continue Reading
Coast Line | Nominations open for Be the Difference Awards
Santa Cruz Sentinel - March 9 - The Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz County announced that nominations for the 15th Annual Be the Difference Awards are now open. The “Be the Difference” Awards are about honoring the individuals, groups, nonprofits, and businesses that transform Santa Cruz County through volunteerism.
Community members are encouraged to share their stories of inspiration by nominating now through March 23....................Continue Reading
Literacy Program Seeks Volunteer Tutors
Santa Cruz Sentinel - March 2 & 6 - The Literacy Program of the Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz County invites interested individuals to a free online orientation to learn about becoming a volunteer tutor to a motivated adult English language learner. ...................Continue Reading
Remember Seniors on Valentine's Day
Santa Cruz Sentinel - January 30 - Cards and items can be dropped off at: The Santa Cruz Volunteer Center, Attn: FSA, 1740 17th Ave., Santa Cruz. The center's hours are 10 a.m. to noon and 1-4 p.m. Monday to Thursday. ...................Continue Reading
Inside Lookout: Upcoming food newsletter, Unsung Santa Cruz, & welcoming interns
Lookout Santa Cruz - January 19 - Has there ever been a time to summon up more generosity? Lookout covers the growing needs of our community, shining a light on the dislocations that COVID has driven or worsened. From our launch in November, 2020, we set out to build our own generosity into Lookout. Each new member signing up for Lookout picks one top community non-profit, and Lookout directs 10% of what you pay to that community betterment organization. We can now report that through the end of 2021, we’ve paid out $11,549.49, a total we’re proud of, especially given our start-up status.
That program continues into 2022. If you haven’t yet become a member, please join us and pick the organization of your choice. We’re proud to call Coastal Watershed Council, Community Foundation, Digital Nest, Second Harvest Food Bank, United Way and Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz County our Civic Partners in this program...................Continue Reading
Santa Cruz County nonprofits need volunteers during omicron surge
KSBW - January 19 - The Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz County faces the challenge of finding organizations the help they need and say food service programs are struggling.
"We encourage everybody to go to the food bank, they're awesome with volunteers. What we try and do is reach out throughout the whole community and find out, week-to-week who has the greatest needs," said Karen Delaney, Executive Director Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz County...................Continue Reading
Santa Cruz County nonprofits need volunteers during omicron surge
California News Times - January 19 - The Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz County faces the challenge of finding organizations the help they need and say food service programs are struggling.
"We encourage everybody to go to the food bank, they're awesome with volunteers. What we try and do is reach out throughout the whole community and find out, week-to-week who has the greatest needs," said Karen Delaney, Executive Director Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz County...................Continue Reading
What’s happening for MLK Weekend? A rundown of what’s open, closed and how to celebrate
Lookout Santa Cruz - January 14 -
Main Beach: The Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz County will provide all the supplies you need to clean up one of the county’s busiest attractions. Individuals and groups are welcome for the event that runs from 10 a.m. to noon, with check-in next to Ideal Bar and Grill at 106 Beach St..................Continue Reading
How to Make Your Holiday Meaningful
Times Publishing Group - December 3 - With the heart of the holiday season upon us comes the biggest time of giving of the year.
Santa Cruz County has always been a place that supports local businesses, local nonprofits and local causes. With supply chains in upheaval and the need greater than ever due to the persistent pandemic wreaking havoc, there has never been a better time to give back to the local Santa Cruz County community................Continue Reading
Give back this holiday season and Adopt-a-Family in Santa Cruz County
Lookout Santa Cruz - November - The heart of the holiday season is upon us and with that comes the biggest time of giving all year long.
Santa Cruz County has always been a place that prides itself on its local economy. Supporting local businesses, local nonprofits and local causes we all care about. With supply chains in upheaval and the need greater than ever for local causes to raise funds due to the persistent pandemic wreaking havoc, there has never been a greater time to give back to the local Santa Cruz County community this holiday season...............Continue Reading
Feeding Santa Cruz 2021: Here are some of the local nonprofits that need your help this holiday season
Lookout Santa Cruz - November 24 - With many across the country and around the world continuing the slow climb out of the COVID-19 pandemic hole, it’s no secret that more people than ever need help. Santa Cruz is no exception.
There are many organizations in Santa Cruz County that provide food and more to families in need. Here are some that welcome volunteers and donations to support community members in need..............Continue Reading
Editor's Note
GoodTimes - November - This week we're kicking off our seventh Santa Cruz Gives holiday fundraising drive, and once again I am stunned at how quickly this idea of a "new way" to support our local nonprofits continues to grow faster than we ever thought possible. Last year, in the midst of the pandemic, total donations to Santa Cruz Gives groups totaled $709,617 -- an increase of 73% over 2019. Our goal for this year is to cross the million mark. ................Continue Reading
Santa Cruz Gives Kicks Off Its Biggest Campaign Ever
GoodTimes - November 16 - After five years of rapid growth, our Santa Cruz Gives holiday campaign is doubling the number of local nonprofits we accepted to 80. Here’s a guide to the projects they will fund with your donations.............Continue Reading
Responding to a Generation in Crisis
KSQD.org - November 5 - Rates of depression and suicide in youth have skyrocketed since the pandemic. A new program seeks to break the stigma of seeking help for youth suffering from depression and anxiety and other mental conditions. The idea is to intervene early before things get to the crisis stage so that youth can weather the storms of life with more resilience. In this interview I talk with Shawn Peterson, director of Community Connection in Santa Cruz County. To get involved, call the Volunteer Center at 831-428-6977..............Continue Reading
Coming Soon to a Website Near You: Santa Cruz Gives
Growing Up in Santa Cruz- November 1 -
At a recent meeting of 80 local nonprofit organizations, Karen Delaney, longtime Executive Director of the Volunteer Center, shared the results of a 2021 study on charitable giving trends.
“National research conducted with more than 5,000 adults shows numbers we have not ever seen before,” she said. By “ever,” Delaney means not in the more than 30 years since she has been a local nonprofit leader.
“People understand that where we are in our communities, where we are as a nation, requires them to do more. There is a great yearning to engage.”..............Continue Reading
Volunteer Drivers Needed for Seniors
Santa Cruz Sentinel - October 28 - For most individuals getting to a medical or dental appointment, the grocery store, or bank is as simple as jumping in the car or on the local bus. But for some in the community, it is impossible due to disability, declining health, or the rigors of aging. For over 40 years, the Volunteer Center Transportation Program has served to address the needs of ambulatory seniors and the disabled by offering volunteer-powered rides throughout Santa Cruz County..............Continue Reading
Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz County Set to Host Events to Inspire Civic Action
Santa Cruz Sentinel - October 5 - Beginning Wednesday and running through April of next year, the Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz County will host town halls aimed at inspiring residents to take positive action in the community.
The first of nine 90-minute sessions that are a mix of speaker panels and group participation is titled “Your Voice.”
Other volunteering themes local activists and experts will speak on include service, donate, work, social entrepreneur and purchase power.............Continue Reading
Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz County to Host Civic Life Town Hall Events to Inspire Positive Change
KSQD.org 90.7 FM Talk of the Bay with Rachel Goodman - October 1 - In this interview, I talk with Karen Delaney, Executive Director of the Volunteer Center about ways you can get more involved in creating positive change in our community...........Continue Reading & Listen to the Interview
Human Race Fundraiser, Founded in 1982, Bids Farewell
Aptos Times - August 27 - After 40 years, the Human Race Walk and Fun Run fundraiser for local nonprofits is retiring. Sponsored by the Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz County, it was the longest running Human Race and one of the last two Human Race events in the nation. In the last ten years, the Human Race raised $2.5 million for more than 250 local groups and close to $6 million since it began in 1982. ..........Continue Reading
Get to Know the Volunteer Center's Seniors Programs
Santa Cruz Sentinel - August 26 - There are seniors of all kinds; some need physical help with tasks like grocery shopping or something more intricate like needing a shower bar installed after an injuryor a medical procedure. There are those who need a friendly person to talk to, and others who need a ride to a doctor's appointment. Then there are seniors who have the time, ability and desire--and for select undertakings, good physical condition--to accomplish these tasks for those in need. No matter which categroy you fall under, the Santa Cruz Volunteer Center's Senior Programs can help you make a connection. ..........Continue Reading
Volunteer Center Restarts Transportation & Helping Hands
Times Publishing Group (Capitola Soquel Times & Aptos Times) - June 28 & July 9 - For aging adults isolated at home, getting to essential appointments or doing simple home repairs, is challenging even in "normal" times. During the Covid-19 pandemic, these tasks became nearly impossible for such adults. The Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz County Transportation Program & Helping Hands Programs have served to address the needs of ambulatory seniors and the disabled by offering rides throughout the county and donation-based home repairs. ..........Continue Reading
Volunteers Help Fight COVID Pandemic
Aptos Times - March 15 -The Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz County has been part of the community fabric for more than 50 years. While so much has changed since opening their doors in 1967, the heart of what they do has remained the same. They are about what happens when hopeful people work together as volunteers to transform our community for good.........Continue Reading
Love and Kindness Delivered
Capitola Soquel Times - Feb 15 -We are basking in the love and kindness displayed by our community in February. Staff, volunteers, and community partners distributed hundreds of handmade Valentine's to local seniors living alone or in care facilities. Started as a project on Martin Luther King Day 2021, community members designed and dropped off cards to our office throughout January and early February in prep for Valentine's Day delivery........Continue Reading
Stepping up to serve: thousands give back through the Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz County
Lookout Local - Feb 15 -The Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz County re-envisioned its programs and initiatives to meet the needs and challenges of 2020. More than 10,000 volunteers helped through mask making, grocery shopping for seniors, staffing emergency shelters, distributing free food, online tutoring, and disseminating emergency preparedness information.....Continue Reading
Cards for Isolated Seniors- A Kaiser Permanente MLK Day Project
Santa Cruz Patch- Jan 26th -Hundreds of isolated senior citizens in Santa Cruz County will be getting a little extra joy come Valentine's Day, thanks to more than 50 volunteers who volunteered as part of Kaiser Permanente's Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service. Volunteers and their children made Valentine's Day cards for the seniors, which will be included in their Meals on Wheels deliveries during the Valentine's week.......Continue Reading
Santa Cruz Literacy Program Seeks Volunteer Tutors
Santa Cruz Sentinel- Jan 21st -The Literacy Program of the Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz County invites interested individuals to a free online orientation to learn about becoming a volunteer tutor to a motivated adult English language learner.No teaching or foreign language skills are required, just fluent English and a desire to connect and support adults who want to advance their English literacy skills, according to a release from the Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz County......Continue Reading
Santa Cruz Gives Blows Away Fundraising Expectations
Good Times Weekly- Jan 15th -For the past six years, Good Times' annual holiday fundraising campaign Santa Cruz Gives has helped raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for local nonprofits by creating a network of donors and shining a spotlight on the organizations.And in this latest year, the results have far exceeded expectations. "We weren't sure how things would go this time," says Santa Cruz Gives co-founder and organizer Jeanne Howard, who led the campaign in partnership with the Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz County. .......Continue Reading
Stay Connected Through the Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz County
Aptos Times- Jan 15th - As we continue to manage the impacts of COVID-19 local seniors are challenged to find ways to stay connected to the resources and community partners they need. The Volunteer Center is here to help through their new program Stay Connected .......Continue Reading
CZU Fire Victims Continue to Search for Permanent Housing
KION 5/46- Dec 6, 2020-In Santa Cruz County, officials say more than 100 households are still in need of permanent housing following the CZU Lightning Complex Fires in August.Those affected include singles, couples and families with children. Among those aiming to give a leg up to the fire impacted families is the Volunteer Center Adopt a Family Project.......Continue Reading
Giving Tuesday Generates an Estimated 2.47 Billion From Donors
Chronicle of Philanthropy- Dec 2, 2020-Yesterday marked the ninth annual GivingTuesday. In a year of great need, supporters broke giving records during the global day of generosity. Donors gave an estimated $808 million online and $2.47 billion over all, according to the nonprofit that coordinates the day of giving.The GivingTuesday Data Commons, a group of more than 60 partners, estimates that 34.8 million people participated in GivingTuesday 2020, a 29 percent increase over 2019..........Continue Reading
Fostering Togetherness on Giving Tuesday
Santa Cruz Sentinel- Dec 1, 2020-Our days have grown crisp, the holiday jingles have begun, and despite the challenges of 2020, the desire to welcome in the holiday season still tugs at our hearts. Many have chosen to hoist up their twinkling lights and decorations a bit early this year and all around it seems people are looking for a safe reprieve from the daily grind of social isolation......Continue Reading
In a Year Like No Other, an Opportunity to Give Like Never Before
Thomson Reuters Foundation News- Nov 30, 2020-For those working at the Santa Cruz Volunteer Center in California to say 2020 has been a challenging year would be a vast understatement.For more than three decades the grassroots organization has run the ‘Adopt a Family’ project to deliver food, clothes, and gifts to hundreds of families struggling to make ends meet in America’s wealthiest and most populous state.........Continue Reading
Santa Cruz Nonprofits Find Ways to Host Thanksgiving
Santa Cruz Sentinel, Nov 24, 2020-Gathering together – whether it’s as friends, a family or a community – is the underlying purpose behind any holiday. But the coronavirus pandemic continues to change that core meaning, affecting its sixth major U.S. holiday this year.However, people have become accustomed to adapting in the last eight months and are prepared to do it again for Thanksgiving. Several organizations in Santa Cruz County are hosting socially distanced Thanksgiving meals.........Continue Reading
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
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
