As the cost of living continues to rise, so does food insecurity. And though food banks need donations year-round, the holidays can be an especially trying time.

WHO TO HELP: If you can, add extra food to your cart and donate it to your nearest food bank; luckily, our region is home to a bounty of them, including Twin Lakes Food Bank (twinlakesfoodbank.org), Food Bank of El Dorado County (foodbankedc.org), Placer Food Bank (placerfoodbank.org), Upper Room Dining Hall (upperroomdininghall.org), and Auburn Interfaith Food Closet (auburnfoodcloset.org). Non-perishable canned goods (pasta sauce, fruit, chili, etc.) are gratefully received, as are hygiene products (deodorant, shaving supplies, body wash, etc.), household essentials (baby wipes, laundry detergent, pet food, dish soap, etc.), in addition to cash contributions. Note: Each food bank runs slightly differently, so please check each respective website for specific needs.

Childhood is typically a joyous, carefree time. Regrettably, for some, it’s not all rainbows and butterflies. Luckily, there are many nonprofits that reach and/or teach, our region’s youth.

WHO TO HELP: Hands4Hope (hands4hopeyouth.org) equips and empowers youth ages 8-18 with the knowledge and skills to be civic-minded and socially responsible via community service projects, including a school supply drive to help opportunity-deprived local students; and a winter boutique where those in need can "shop" for warm clothing and blankets collected through a donation drive organized by Hands4Hope.

Placerville Toys for Tots (placerville-ca.toysfortots.org) gifts economically challenged children with toys, last year providing 7,727 of them to 2,459 youth. To donate, bring a new, unwrapped toy to one of the drop-off sites (to locate one near you, visit their website) through December 8; or donate funds online.

Keaton’s Child Cancer Alliance (childcancer.org) aims to support children with cancer and their families—emotionally, educationally, and financially—while fundraising to find a cure. Opportunities to support the cause include donating money, vehicles, and gas or grocery store gift cards; volunteering or sponsoring a family.    

You might be busy planning seasonal festivities, but let’s spare a thought (and maybe a purse) for those in need.

WHO TO HELP: Assistance League (assistanceleague.org/sierra-foothills, assistanceleague.org/greater-placer)—with local chapters in El Dorado Hills and Auburn—is an entirely volunteer-run nonprofit that aims to help the lives of underprivileged adults and young people in the community. 

The holiday season, unfortunately, sees a rise in domestic violence, so the need for nonprofits like The Center (thecenternow.org) increases. A hub of support for those being abused, The Center offers legal services, counseling, and attends to the needs of impacted children, too.
For most women, their purse contains their life. Julie Nakayama started Julie’s Purse Project (juliespurseproject.org) to provide purses (filled with essential everyday items) to women experiencing hardship.

The holidays can be a difficult time, particularly for veterans, first responders, and their families. The Center for Post Traumatic Growth (centerptg.org) promotes and supports their healing via effective group psychotherapy.  

For many, furry friends are a big part of our family and thinking of them in need is a pull on the heartstrings. From cats and dogs to donkeys and horses, there are ample organizations working day in and day out to help.

WHO TO HELP: We’re a dog-loving community, but we must acknowledge those who go out of their way to rescue our canine friends. El Dorado County German Shepherd Rescue (edcgsr.com) does just this with a strong emphasis on training and then fostering these gorgeous, loyal hounds.

Fat Kitty City (fatkittycity.org) offers a sanctuary to felines who have suffered and been abandoned. Based in El Dorado Hills, they aim to return the kitties to full health before adopting them out or letting them enjoy retirement on the organization’s scenic grounds.

All About Equine (allaboutequine.org) rescues and rehabilitates abused, neglected, abandoned, unwanted, and/or slaughter-bound animals, primarily equines (wild and domestic), providing them with food, shelter, care, and handling.

Barnyard Animal Rescue Nest, aka The B.A.R.N. (barnyardanimalrescuenest.org), is on a mission to rescue, rehabilitate, and find forever homes to previously neglected, abused, or unwanted animals. In addition, they provide enriching educational experiences to the community, including school groups, adults with developmental disabilities, women struggling with domestic violence, individuals battling addiction, and others—all while supporting the human-animal bond.
 

 

If you love the beautiful landscapes that surround us, you might want to consider donating to these charitable causes that work hard to protect them. 

WHO TO HELP: Placer Land Trust (placerlandtrust.org) works alongside willing landowners and conservation partners to preserve Placer County’s natural beauty, ensuring it can be enjoyed by everyone now and into the future. Whether you help by volunteering, becoming a member, or joining the nonprofit for a hike or birdwatching walk on one of their privately owned preserves, your support will be greatly appreciated.

American River Conservancy (arconservancy.org) works to preserve rivers and land for life in the Upper Cosumnes River and Upper American River watersheds. This month, they’re closing escrow on El Dorado Ranch (pictured above), surpassing 30,000 acres protected since 1989. The nonprofit also runs events year-round, such as workdays at Wakamatsu Farm, guided nature walks, and hands-on classes.

Friends of Lakes Folsom & Natoma, aka FOLFAN (folfan.org) aims to enhance educational and recreational opportunities for the public and protect the wonders and resources of Lakes Folsom and Natoma, via programs and community events, including guided monthly hikes, “loaner life jackets,” and park cleanups.

Of course, there are many more causes and organizations in our area that need attention and assistance. Visit placercf.org, eldoradocf.org, or bigdayofgiving.org for extensive nonprofit directories.