…By which we mean, of course, the spirit of giving. Here are a few places where you can extend a helping hand (though this is by no means an exhaustive list; if you know of other people, places, and events that could use some support – financial and otherwise – please don’t hesitate to alert us so we can publicize them):
- The Jesus Center at 1297 Park Avenue,, a Christian group tasked with helping the homeless, has several programs that can use your help. The annual harvest canned food drive runs throughout the month of November. Cans can be deposited in drop boxes located throughout town (Rachel Wietbrock at (530) 521-0896 can tell you where they are) or dropped off directly at the Jesus Center. .. “Blessing bags for cold nights” also may be dropped off. Fill a large, heavy duty plastic locking bag with a pair of thick socks, a comb, a healthy non-perishable snack, bottle of water, sturdy garbage bag or disposable rain poncho, toiletries (razor, deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrush, band-aids, etc), notebook with pen, and bug spray or wipes. Bring them by the shelter – as many as you care to donate… The Center also holds a Christmas Eve dinner, where all are welcome. If you would like to contribute or share a meal with us, please come on by. Volunteers begin serving dinner at 1 pm.
- The ninth annual Torres Shelter Christmas tree auction and holiday festival gets underway promptly at 8 pm on December 3 at the Masonic Family Center on the Esplanade in Chico. Trees go fast, so get there early. Tickets can be purchased for $25 at Zucchini & Vine, Christian and Johnson, and The Chico Florist. The shelter is a non-denominational facility where the homeless and women seeking refuge can stay in safety.
- The North Valley Community Foundation provides a one-stop site where you can choose to make a donation to one or more of many programs in need of financial support. Its Website is located at here.
- Annually the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation distributes donated new toys to as many of the 16 millions children living in poverty in America as possible. More than a few of these kids live in the North Valley, so Dahlmeier is assisting the Marines in creating a happier holiday for some deserving boys and girls. You can drop off your donated toys at the Dahlmeier Insurance Agency – either our Chico or Oroville office, and we will see to it that they get to the Marines… and to the kids.
