64 Monterey County GIVES! 2024 mcgives.com Community & Social Services DONate online mcgives.com high-level care for more than 2,000 local seniors annually. “I am a caregiver for my 85-year-old neighbor, Joe Baker, who has health and memory problems. Joe owns his home in Salinas. I contacted Legal Services for Seniors for assistance after salespersons came to Joe’s home selling solar panels, telling him that his PG&E bills would be reduced. The salesperson falsified Mr. Baker’s signature on electronic loan documents and a home improvement contract. Solar panels were installed on Mr. Baker’s roof, a loan for over $39,000 was initiated, and a lien was placed on his home. Mr. Baker never agreed to a loan or home improvement contract. The loan documents and the contract for the panels were not provided to Mr. Baker. He became aware of the loan only after receiving a bill from the lender. LSS worked with Mr. Baker and me to retrieve the falsified documents and demand that the loan for over $39,000 be canceled. LSS was successful; the loan company agreed to cancel the loan, remove the lien and restore Mr. Baker’s credit.” -Donna Ramos Meals on Wheels of the Monterey Peninsula Year Founded: 1972 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 31 paid, 530 volunteers Budget: $5,300,000 375-4454 mowmp.org Big Idea: A dramatic increase in demand for freshly prepared meals delivered to homebound seniors, adults with disabilities and veterans means Meals on Wheels of the Monterey Peninsula is preparing for a truly Big Idea. This far-reaching nonprofit wishes to open a second commercial kitchen to support its current work delivering three nutritious meals every weekday for folks from Carmel Highlands to Marina. Donations will help make this ambitious dream a reality for Meals on Wheels of the Monterey Peninsula. “Very grateful for caring delivery people. I am lonely and like to see a friendly face. You are saving my mental health. Thanks from my heart for all the love and food that has literally kept me alive and positive.” -M. Sutton Meals on Wheels of the Salinas Valley Year Founded: 1972 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 8 paid, 110 volunteers Budget: $1,500,000 758-6325 mowsalinas.org Big Idea: Meals on Wheels of the Salinas Valley is requesting support for both its signature program, delivering nutritious meals to isolated seniors who no longer cook or shop for meals, and its efforts to offer More than a Meal to guests in its 1,500-squaremile service area. This Big Idea provides beloved supplemental services, like distributing local fruits and vegetables each week, adding a musical sidewalk serenade to a meal delivery, providing pet food for clients and presenting monthly social events. “Meals on Wheels of the Salinas Valley is godsent; I’d like to thank you for the birthday cards and gifts you sent for my 83rd birthday.” -Emily P. Mid Coast Fire Brigade Year Founded: 1979 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 0 paid, 25 volunteers Budget: $180,000 625-8175 midcoastfirebrigade.org Big Idea: The Mid Coast Fire Brigade responds to emergencies south of Carmel Highlands to north of Big Sur, providing direct response for homes in Palo Colorado Canyon and supporting the bustling and fragile Highway 1 corridor. This all-volunteer brigade can be called to a variety of emergencies, like wildfires, vehicle accidents, ocean rescues or medical calls. To help meet these diverse demands, this nonprofit’s Big Idea requests funds for up-to-date equipment and protective gear for firefighters. “The Mid Coast Fire Brigade is a very community-minded group. They host community fundraisers and issue burn permits. It makes me feel safer that they are so near.” -Brett Hedrick “I didn’t know where else to ask for help.” -Anonymous, YWCA Monterey County Loaves, Fishes and Computers Year Founded: 2009 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 12 paid, 60 volunteers Budget: $694,500 393-9260 lfctech.org Big Idea: Digital literacy is no longer a niceto-know—it’s a need-to-know. Loaves, Fishes and Computers levels the technological playing field with approachable workshops and technical assistance for low-income families. Since its founding, this Big Idea has distributed more than 14,600 computers and taught 1,100 digital literacy classes covering topics like internet and social media safety. These services are offered in English and Spanish, online and on-site and with age-appropriate classes for youth, adults and seniors. “I am grateful to LFC for providing us with computer workshops and a computer. I really did not know enough about computers and how to stay safe on the internet. I was able to learn how to send an email and also create a flier. I never thought I could do that.” -Imelda Lopez (Spanish speaker, translated) spotlight
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