Blog

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

We are so pleased to share that we are expecting hundreds of families today at projects throughout Santa Cruz County for Family Volunteer Day. If you wanted to join us but didn’t get a chance to register, you still can.  A number of our projects are able to take folks on a drop-in basis. Here […] Read More

This Saturday, November 17th is Family Volunteer Day. I can’t think of a better way to communicate my value for giving and kindness than to simply spend a few hours “doing” with my family. Volunteering in my household is a favorite family past time. My children love the opportunity to be of use to someone […] Read More

Thank you to everyone who joined us on Wednesday at the 2018 Be the Difference Awards. We were incredibly inspired by the response and the desire to come together for what works in our community. Your love for Santa Cruz County was palpable. This event was successful because of each and every one of the […] Read More

We are thrilled to partner with our sponsors to celebrate the 2018 Be the Difference Awards honoring the individuals, groups, and businesses that transform Santa Cruz County through volunteerism. The event will take place tomorrow October 24th at the Cocoanut Grove from 11:30 AM-1:30 PM.  Doors will open just after 11 AM. In attendance will […] Read More

JOIN US AT THE 2018 BE THE DIFFERENCE AWARDS LUNCH GALA If you haven’t had the chance to buy your tickets yet, we encourage you to do so right away. Tickets are going fast and the deadline to purchase is this Friday, October 12th. Join the Volunteer Center and our sponsors at the 12th Annual […] Read More

For many individuals walking through the neighborhood, taking out the garbage, or driving to the grocery store are simple and unremarkable tasks. But, for some in the community, these activities are overwhelming due to the rigors of aging, declining health, and limited mobility. Due to the fear of falling many local seniors find themselves struggling […] Read More

Nominations have begun to roll in for the 2018 Be the Difference Awards and we are awaiting yours. If you are reading this then we know, you get it – our community thrives because volunteers are willing to share their time, talent, and dedication to make Santa Cruz County a better place to live. Every […] Read More

Last week we closed out Mental Health Awareness Month in partnership with our program Community Connection. Over the month we emphasized sharing our stories, breaking stigma, and celebrating what works. So often the media narrative about mental health is focused on what is broken. We are here to tell a different story– about potential. Every […] Read More

We are so excited to celebrate with you this Saturday May 12th at the 38th Annual Human Race Walkathon and Fun Run. Our team and sponsors have lined up an incredible day of fun for all participants and we hope to see you there! Race Day includes pre-race yoga and breakfast, a 5-mile course, live […] Read More

out·stand·ing ˌ(outˈstandiNG) – Exceptionally good. Synonyms – excellent, marvelous, magnificent, superb, fine, wonderful, superlative, exceptional, first-class, first-rate; great, terrific, tremendous, super, amazing, fantastic, sensational, fabulous, ace, neat, awesome, bang-up, out of this world, smashing, brilliant “Our team of volunteers, staff, Board Members, Business and Community Partners are outstanding!” –I have said that exact sentence a […] Read More