Most of us think of non-profits as the source of gifts and good things to those in need over the holidays. Fortunately, businesses and individuals are making Christmas a special season for community non-profits too. The United Way of San Benito County and the Community Foundation for San Benito County announced that six major non-profits now have nearly $86,000 more to work with. That figure is up more than $20,000 from last year’s 12 Days of Giving donation drive.
The annual event is kicked off mid-November with the United Way Extravaganza bringing in $12,500. The United Way and the Community Foundation for San Benito County co-host the 12 Days of Giving.
Gary Byrne, President of the Community Foundation for San Benito County, said this was the best year yet for the 12 Days of Giving event thanks to the combined efforts of community minded businesses, the Community Foundation and generous citizens. Byrne said that Christmas season is the time of year that people tend to donate most. Bob Tiffany of Tiffany Ford was involved in 12 Days of Giving from the beginning. He liked the concept of joining ranks to have a bigger impact. “We’ve found that matching always brings in more money,” says Tiffany. Donations from individuals this year were nearly tripled by the support of area businesses, non-profits and the Community Foundation.
Tiffany has watched the fundraiser grow since its first year in 2012. “Non- profits embraced the whole thing and now they are working together and collaborating.”
The 12 Days of Giving fundraising effort is successful because several local businesses got the ball rolling. This year’s sponsors were Tiffany Ford , Teknova, United Way, True Leaf Farms, Earthbound Farm, Rotary Club of Hollister http://www.hollister.rotaryclub.pro and the Community Foundation for San Benito County. These businesses matched donations from members of the community for the benefit of area non-profits.
Six core non-profits that address major needs in our community took part in the event. Those involved this year included CASA. Chamberlain’s Children’s Center, Emmaus House, Food Bank, Homeless Coalition, and Salvation Army. Caleb Montes, with the Salvation Army is new to the county. He and his wife were able to bring their donations up from $635 received in 2013 to almost $7,000 in 2014.
The following is an explanation of the services these non-profits provide:
CASA (or Court Appointed Special Advocates) trains community volunteers to work with previously abused and neglected children now in foster care. (For more information, call Esther at 831-637-4992.)
Chamberlain’s Children’s Center provides a family style home for children who have been victims of child abuse. The center also has a non-public school that provides highly specialized, developmentally appropriate education for residents. (Information: Robert 831-636-2121)
Emmaus House is an organization that serves women and children coping with domestic violence. The non-profit operates 24 hours a day and seven days a week. Emmaus helps family members to re-establish their safety and start rebuilding in a loving environment. (Information: 831-636-7224 or Patrice 831-630-5899)
Community Food Bank of San Benito County is a countywide source of supplemental food for the working poor, low income seniors, families, homeless and disabled citizens of San Benito County. The Food Bank has been operating since 1989. (Information: Mary Anne 831-637-0340)
Homeless Coalition of San Benito County provides housing and essential services to San Benito County’s homeless population. The Homeless Coalition has places to sleep and shower, mental health and substance abuse services, employment services, housing referrals and other services. (Information: Linda 831-801-9531)
Salvation Army is a national non-profit with an office in San Benito County. The agency provides help to both adults and families in areas from rehabilitation to housing and hunger relief. The Salvation Army has a Hollister office and local information can be found on the national website. Specific information can be found by adding the Hollister Zip code: 95023. (Information: Caleb 831-636-9832)
Community Foundation for San Benito County strengthens community organizations while promoting s a spirit of philanthropy and community involvement. Community foundations serve as bridges between donors and institutions with the shared goal of improving the quality of life for all county residents. (Information: Gary 831-630-1924)
According to the Community Foundation, $28,500 was raised in 2012, and $67,180 was raised in 2013. Over the three years that 12 Days of Giving has been running, the event has brought in $180,912 for local non-profits. The United Way of San Benito County is a non-profit health and human services organization that works with children at risk, seniors and families in need and individuals dealing with mental or physical illness.