I’ve been volunteering with the Adopt A Family program since I was in high school, when my friends and I went down to the donation warehouse to “shop” from donated gifts and put together packages for families in need. That was 20 years ago (yikes!) and this program is still delivering holiday cheer to people experiencing […] Read More
It’s the MOST Wonderful Time of the Yeaaarrrr… wait, already? Can you believe that November is here! As we enter into the heart of the fall season and usher in the steady stream of holiday “hub-bub” and opportunities for rampant consumerism, we want to offer you a few ways to rejuvenate the soul by giving […] Read More
We look forward to celebrating our top 50 nominees with you at Be the Difference Awards Thursday, October 10th from 11:30 am – 1:30 pm at the Cocoanut Grove Ballroom. We want to set minds at ease that the Cocoanut Grove is not in the planned power outage zone. Additionally, we want to let you […] Read More
Are you, like me, saddened or outraged at the current treatment of immigrant children and families and the narrative that immigrants and asylum seekers are un-American? As one of our Literacy Tutors put it, “I grew up revering that big statue that welcomes people to America. She represents something about us that is still meaningful […] Read More
Everyday thousands of volunteers take action to make Santa Cruz County a more vibrant and connected place to live. We are so excited to celebrate the folks who give their time, talent, and resource to improve our quality of life at the 13th Annual Be the Difference Awards. Who do you think should be standing […] Read More
Every summer, teens make a difference in their community at non-profit organizations through YouthSERVE Summer Institute. During this six week program, youth volunteer and participate in workshops and field trips that give them tools that will be beneficial to them in their future careers. Youth choose where there would like to volunteer based on their […] Read More
Forty-Five Opportunities to Help Fight Senior Loneliness as a Volunteer…and one you can get PAID for. In a given week, how many people do you talk to? You text your sister every day. Joke with coworkers over lunch. Catch up with an old friend while strolling on West Cliff. Without realizing it, you probably engage […] Read More
39 years ago, the Human Race started as a whimsy idea by a handful of young Nonprofit Directors who wanted to build community. Then, generous people just like you stepped in, and that little idea grew. As of 2019, millions of dollars have been raised through the Human Race for the causes people love. This […] Read More
This month we celebrate Older Americans Month by recognizing the amazing older adults all around us that are making a positive impact as volunteers, employees and advocates. Older adults are an incredible resource for our community. By engaging and supporting all ages, we recognize that older adults play an important role in the vitality of […] Read More
It has been a busy month of celebration at the Volunteer Center. Earlier this month we celebrated National Volunteer Week and last week as the Volunteer Initiative Program Coordinator, I had the opportunity to celebrate twenty of our outstanding volunteers who give their time to the departments within the County of Santa Cruz. This annual […] Read More
It’s National Volunteer Week and for communities across the nation this week brings the opportunity to shine the spotlight on the value of volunteerism. Established in 1974, National Volunteer Week demonstrates the power of volunteerism to bring people together for positive change. Each year during National Volunteer Week, along with our partners we host events […] Read More
This week the Volunteer Center has joined in the nationwide celebration of AmeriCorps Week to spotlight the vital work done by AmeriCorps members in communities across the Country. Started in 1994, more than 75,000 Americans participate in AmeriCorps each year and these individuals have contributed over 1 billion hours of service. Here at the Volunteer Center […] Read More
At the Volunteer Center, we are fortunate to work with a host of local businesses who choose to be front and center with our programs by giving their time, knowledge, and resource. These businesses “get it”- They care about the issues affecting our residents, they value community as a key part of their bottom line, […] Read More
Happy New Year! We know that sometimes the post holiday season with the departure of family and friends can feel like a bit of a letdown, especially for seniors. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Now is the time to revel in a bit of downtime, define new goals, and seize the moment […] Read More
Our offices are now closed for the holiday and will re-open again on Jan 2nd, 2019. As we head away from some time with our families we are feeling such pride for another wonderful year of generosity, connection, and impact. This week we closed out our final project of the year with Adopt a Family, […] Read More
Thank-you so much to each and every one who took the initiative to donate or adopt a family this year. We are proud to announce that with the donations, stars items, and all of you, we will be able to successfully support all of our families this year. If you are still looking for ways […] Read More
It was my honor to serve with Neil Bush for years on the Board of the Points of Light Foundation, and a privilege to meet President Bush many times in the course of his support for volunteerism. At this moment in our nation, it is critical to remember that people with different political beliefs can, […] Read More
We have a day for thanks, two for getting deals and then comes #GivingTuesday, a global day dedicated to giving back. Today we join non-profits, families, businesses, community centers, and students from around the world for a common purpose: to celebrate generosity and to give. We know our community is made up of whole-hearted individuals […] Read More
Our office will be closed until Monday Nov 26th as we take time with our families. For many in our community this weekend represents a time to come together in gratitude for all that we have. As we head into the heart of the holiday season, it is a wonderful time to reflect on what […] Read More
It’s Mid-November already! For the marketing world this means the holiday season is in full swing. Tinsel, glitter, and an endless supply of holiday bobbles have arrived at store shelves and Carols are playing over loud speakers all across America. For those who want to look beyond the commercial aspect and find deeper meaning, it […] Read More
