November 20 , 2006 • VOL. 44, NO. 20 • Oakland, CA

Local charities deliver their holiday wish lists

A Friendly Place/Manor
A drop-in center for homeless women run by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet.
Need: Christmas gifts for women, cold and cough medicine, socks (new or clean used), wash cloths (new or used), safety razors, spray deodorant, air freshener, hotel size soap, shampoo and lotion.
Where: 2298 San Pablo Ave.,
Oakland 94612
Contact: Sister Maureen Lyons, CSJ
(510) 451-8923

Bay Area Crisis Nursery
A 24-hour care center for children (birth through age 11) whose families are in crisis.
Need: Age appropriate books, games, puzzles and crafts for ages up to 12; dolls, books, and videos (G-rated) that reflect all ethnicities and nationalities; new, unused and nonviolent toys (no war toys, guns, knives or violent materials including action figures); low-denomination pre-paid phone cards (the Nursery requires parents who are homeless to call the Nursery twice a day while their children are staying at the center). Gifts must be new and unwrapped.
Where: 1506 Mendocino Dr., Concord 94521
Contact: Sandy Hathaway
(925) 685-6633

Birthright
An international pregnancy service that supports pregnant girls and women who need help by providing positive alternatives to abortion.
Need: Crib blankets, receiving blankets, sleeper bags, baby towels, one-piece stretch outfits, diapers, cash donations and volunteers.
Where: 3043 Clayton Road, Concord 94519
Contact: Linda Easterday, director
(925) 798-7227

Need: Maternity clothes, baby clothes, layettes, cash donations and volunteers. At present we have an opening for an office counselor in our office on Monday’s between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Where: 1520 Catalina Court, Building C., Livermore 94550
Contact: John M. Kupski, director
(925) 449-5887 or 1 (800) 550-4900

Need: Volunteers; prayer support; cash donations; newborn size diapers; maternity clothes; sturdy TV stand.
Where: 1048 Grant Ave., San Lorenzo 94580
Contact: Rosanne Maki, (510) 481-9677

Casa Vincentia
A residence for homeless pregnant women, 18-25, who are homeless and/or in crisis.
Needs: Cash donations for operating expenses; volunteers for annual crab dinner (February 2007); volunteer accountant grant writer and carpet cleaner; case of white copy paper; 10 flashlights w/batteries; flatware serving for eight; comforter sets twin and full; new blankets twin and full; bath towels and wash cloths; new layettes for infants; bottles; socks, booties and caps; disposable diapers (newborn, 1,2,3 and 4); inexpensive everyday watches for mothers; bathrobes (large and extra large for mothers); toiletries (i.e. bath gel, soap, lotion, shampoo, and conditioner, etc.)
Where: 3210 62nd Ave., Oakland 94605
Contact: Barbara Jackson or Theresa Chambers, (510) 729-0316

Catholic Charities of the East Bay
Providing help and creating hope for people in need throughout Alameda and Contra Costa Counties.
Where: 433 Jefferson St., Oakland 94607
Contact: (510) 768-3100
www.cceb.org

Adopt-a-Family
Individuals, parishes, businesses or schools adopt a family in need throughout the year. This is an opportunity to walk with a family through a particularly troublesome time of their lives, helping locate furniture, bedding, clothing, housing and job opportunities.
Need: Long-term sponsorship of a family.
Contact: Carol Leahy, (510) 768-3165

Tidings of Joy
Offers a once-a-year opportunity that helps families in need during the holiday season. Your help may include providing gifts of clothing, toys and household items (or certificates), food for a special family feast, even a tree and decorations if you’d like. Every family has different needs and they usually provide a wish list including sizes and preferences.
Need: Donors who are willing to sponsor a family during the holidays. It is a commitment of approximately $250.00 per family. Placements are being made in Brentwood, Concord, Oakland and Richmond areas. Financial contributions are also accepted, payable to “Catholic Charities Tidings of Joy,” 433 Jefferson St., Oakland, CA 94607
Contact: Akili Harrison, (510) 768-3137

Operation New Hope
Pre- and post-release educational program at Alameda County Camp Wilmont Sweeney Juvenile Detention Facility.
Need: Volunteers to be trained as Facilitators/Mentors to conduct life-skills educational sessions in juvenile detention facilities and offer support to youth transitioning into local communities upon release from incarceration.
Contact: Jacqueline Manibusan, (510) 768-3168

Project Joybells
An annual toy drive for children of our clients spearheaded by long-time volunteers, Dorothy Buckley and Mary Moyce.
Need: Financial contributions payable to “Catholic Charities Joybells,” 433 Jefferson Street, Oakland, CA 94607
Contact: Akili Harrison, (510) 768-3137

Turkey Fund
Distributes Christmas turkeys to agencies, community programs and parishes for families in need.
Need: Contributions, payable to “Catholic Charities Turkey Fund,” 433 Jefferson Street, Oakland CA 94607
Needed by: Tuesday, December 12.
Contact: Joe Vallor, (510) 768-3138

Contra Costa Interfaith Coalition
A network of faith-based communities, including several Catholic churches, which assist the needy in Contra Costa County by buying, preparing and distributing food at the Concord Homeless Shelter, and by supporting transitional housing programs that help the homeless to become self-sufficient.
Needs: Cash donations; new or washed blankets, box springs and mattresses; clothing; Safeway or Albertsons gift certificates; sleeping bags; volunteers.
Where: 3319 Deerpark Dr., Walnut Creek 94598
Contact: John Krajcir, (925) 937-6742

East Bay Sanctuary Covenant
Founded in 1982 to assist Central American refugees fleeing brutal injustice, East Bay Sanctuary today provides thousands of refugees from many countries with legal assistance on immigration matters. It also helps with needs such as shelter, food, and education. EBSC continues to support grassroots groups in Central America, Haiti and Asia who are struggling to defend human rights and alleviate poverty.
Needs: Donations of money or gift cards for the many families in need. Volunteers to work in office and with refugees. Blankets, sheets, and towels always welcome for refugee house. A very special gift would be a used car.
Contact: Sister Maureen Duignan, (510) 540-0956 or (510) 521-6349.

FACE (Family Aid-Catholic Education)
Since 1978, FACE has provided tuition assistance to low-income families who desire to send their children to Catholic schools in the Oakland Diocese. Over 900 elementary and high school students are currently receiving FACE grants, but more than 1,300 needy students remain on the waiting list.
Need: Financial contributions to help students on our waiting list; donations of items for our upcoming auction fundraiser; volunteers to assist with mailings and annual auction/dinner event, scheduled for March 31, 2007.
Where: 3014 Lakeshore Ave., Oakland 94610
Contact: Anne Rynders, executive director, (510) 628-2169

Family Emergency Shelter Coalition (FESCO)
A local, grassroots nonprofit organization formed by a coalition of churches and community members in 1986 to help serve homeless families and children. The emergency shelter has 24 beds. FESCO opened four units of transitional housing in 1999 for 18-month stay, and a co-housing facility in 2003 for a six to eight month stay.
Need: Gift certificates in increments of $10 and $20 for grocery shopping, monetary donations, twin and full-size sheets and comforters, new bath and face towels, kitchen towels, and postage stamps.
Where: 22245 Main St., #104, Hayward 94541
Contact: Nubia Giles, (510) 886-5473

Lasallian Educational Opportunities (LEO) Center
An after-school tutoring and homework help center for 6-12 grade students in north and west Oakland; English language and computer training for adults. Operated by the Christian Brothers.
Need: Binder paper, pens, pencils, calligraphy pens, ink cartridges, plain paper, graph paper, money for magazine subscriptions, new books for the library, and educational games (chess, Boggle, etc.).
Mailing address: P.O. Box 3238, Oakland 94609
Contact: Deacon Noe Gonzalez, (510) 450-0747

Loaves & Fishes of Contra Costa
The largest server of meals to the hungry in Contra Costa County serves over 200,000 meals per year. Over 60 churches, including Catholic churches, synagogues, service and community organizations, provide the majority of volunteer teams that prepare and serve daily meals at dining rooms in Antioch, Bay Point, Concord, Martinez, Oakley, Pittsburg and at the catering kitchen in Pittsburg.
Need: Cash donations, volunteers.
Where: P.O. Box 3335, Danville 94526, (925) 837-8758

Mary’s House
A refuge for homeless and pregnant women in crisis. Women and their babies may reside for up to six months. Mission: to assist women to become self-sufficient through certification program and/or school. Parenting and life skills classes offered.
Need: Cash donations towards rent, utilities, in-house program, baby diapers (sizes 2,3 and up), detergent, toilet paper, paper towels, thick/warm blankets, twin size flannel sheets, gift certificates to Safeway, Target, Foodmaxx, Toys R Us, Ross, Costco, Home Depot, Best Buy. Volunteers (minimum 2-3 hours a week): thrift store, administrative support, health professionals.
Where: 1850 Church Lane, San Pablo, CA 94806
Contact: Analyn F. Garcia, (510) 236-0383, e-mail: maryshouse@sbcglobal.net

Mercy Brown Bag Program
Sponsored by Mercy Retirement and Care Center, this program provides bags of nutritious groceries to over 1,800 needy seniors twice monthly, free of charge. Bags are distributed through 13 food distribution sites located throughout Alameda County.
Need: Cash donations, large-sized paper bags, plastic produce bags, all sizes of Ziploc bags. Volunteers to take bags to homebound seniors.
Where: 3431 Foothill Blvd., Oakland 94601
Contact: Joy Clinton
(510) 534-8540, ext. 369

Monument Crisis Center
An emergency food pantry and community support center assisting at-risk families and individuals with food, information and referrals.
Need: Dry, canned and fresh foods and small denomination grocery (Safeway) cards for our family holiday baskets. Diapers sizes 1-6 (especially larger sizes 3-6); cash to purchase single ride Contra Costa County bus passes for clients to go to employment, school or health appointments. New, unwrapped toys and gifts for children ages 0-18 (especially need teen gifts). New unwrapped, useful gifts for adults ages 19-95. Low-denomination pre-paid phone cards for our clients to reach out to family members far away. Please, gifts must be new and unwrapped. Mail checks to: P.O. Box 23973 Pleasant Hill, CA 94523.
Where: 2350 Monument Blvd., Suite B, Concord 94520
Contact: Sandra Scherer, (925) 825-7751;
e-mail: scherer@monumentcrisiscenter.org

Next Step Learning Center
A literacy program and GED preparation program operated by the Sisters of the Holy Names.
Need: Volunteer tutors; cash donations for literacy books; financial assistance for students unable to afford a bus pass or to pay cost of GED examination fees.
Where: 2222 Curtis St., Oakland 94607
Contact: Sister Cynthia Canning, SNJM or Sister Rosemary Delaney, SNJM
(510) 251-1731

Nights on the Streets – Catholic Worker
Hospitality to the homeless and needy of our community and the Bay Area by providing food, clothing, shelter assistance, counseling and referral; and assisting others who do so.
Need: Many prayers for health, guidance and the support of “our continuing works”; financial support for our fourth year of shelter operation run with staff from two Catholic Worker houses; volunteers to prepare and service thrice-weekly “soup nights” each winter (this includes cooking 10 gallons of soup and distribution the same evening). Foods: canned and dry goods for our food pantry which serves 100-125 persons per month. A structure capable of housing 8-10 workers and guests including an expanded kitchen, a food storage area and extended bathroom/shower facilities to supplement existing shelter facilities in the East Bay.
Mail address: P.O. Box 13468, Berkeley 94712-4468
Contact: J.C. Orton, (510) 684-1892; e-mail: noscw@sbcglobal.net

Oakland Elizabeth House
The Catholic Worker house provides a one-year residence for single women and women with children who have experienced the poverty of homelessness, violence or addiction. Mission: to support women and children in their transition to independence and self-sufficiency.
Need: Cash donations for rent and utilities; gift cards from Safeway, Costco, Target, Home Depot, Trader Joe’s; office supplies (scotch and masking tape, paper clips, small envelopes, dry erase boards and markers); postage stamps; new or nearly new working vacuum cleaners, bath mats and bathroom rugs, pure juice (no sugar added); paint, paint supplies and painters; cordless drill; passes for movie theaters or events; basketball pump; escrip registrations for Safeway, Macy’s, etc. (go to www.escrip.com and look for Oakland Elizabeth House).
Where: 6423 Colby St., Oakland 94618
Contact: Francel D’Andrea, (510) 601-1213; e-mail:franceld@oakehouse.org,
web: www.oakehouse.org

St. David’s Food Pantry
An outreach ministry that provides food for low-income families. Food is distributed 9 - 10:30 a.m. every Friday behind St. Mark Church, Richmond. Conducted by St. David Parish in Richmond in cooperation with other area parishes and churches.
Need: Cash donations, volunteers, prayers for the ministry.
Where: St. Mark Church, 159 Harbour Way, Richmond 94801
Contact: (510) 237-1531

St. Mary’s Center
A multi-service center for the poor in downtown Oakland. St. Mary’s Center will be moving to the site of the former St. Andrew-St. Joseph Church property on Nov. 28. Programs will begin Dec. 1.
Need: Volunteers to “Adopt-A-Family.” Will arrange a match for families interested in providing Christmas gifts and dinner for a family in need; this includes a gift for each child and monetary donation to St. Mary’s Center marked “Christmas Food” to cover a $75-100 food voucher for your adopted family. “We are very grateful to all who have helped in the past.” Volunteers also needed to prepare and/or serve evening meals for 25 homeless seniors in our emergency winter shelter, December through April. We are also in special need of funds to help pay for the renovation and move to our new site.
Where: 925 Brockhurst St., Oakland 94608
Contact: Sister Marilyn Medau, PBVM, (510) 923-9600 after Dec. 1.

St. Vincent de Paul of Alameda County
Free Dining Room
Daily free meals to men, women and children in downtown Oakland, 10:45 a.m. – 12:45 p.m. also prepare free lunches for 15 + satellite locations in Alameda County.
Need: Volunteers, cash donations, turkeys, hams, macaroni, cheese, aprons, disposable aluminum trays, office and janitorial supplies, a chilled water dispenser, commercial vacuum cleaners, large coffee makers, disposable latex gloves, #10 canned foods, spices, condiments, sugars, salt, pepper, beverages, 8 oz. cups, plastic sandwich and/or large sizes food bags, plastic garbage bags, laundry soap, napkins, late model pickup trucks.
Where: 675 – 23rd St. (at San Pablo Avenue), Oakland 94612
Contact: Ron Smith (donations) at 510-451-7676 or Chris Mullen (volunteers) at 510-877-9234.

Champion Guidance Center for Men
Drop-in center for men offering laundry, showers, hair cuts, clothing, health care, mailbox service, Internet access, substance abuse meetings. Tuesday – Saturday, 9:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Need: Cash donations, volunteers, disposable shaving razors, small bars of soap, personal care items, socks, t-shirts and underwear, hair clippers, sleeping bags, phone cards, commercial vacuum cleaners, video camera and tripod, digital camera, cassette duplicating machine.
Where: 2280 San Pablo Ave., Oakland 94612 (between 23rd St. and West Grand)
Contact: Stephen Krank at (510) 877-9218.

Visitation Center for Women and Children
Drop-in center for women and children offering laundry, showers, clothing, diapers and formula for infants, health care, educational classes. Tuesday – Saturday, 9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Need: Cash donations, new children’s clothes and new toys for Christmas, disposable diapers, personal care items, socks and underwear for women and children
Where: 2260 San Pablo Ave., Oakland 94612 (between 23rd and West Grand)
Contact: Melanie Anguay at (510) 877-9238.

Food Locker
10,500 square foot food bank providing groceries and staples to 150+ churches, nonprofit organizations and community groups.
Needs: Volunteers, large quantities (i.e. pallets) canned foods, turkeys, ham, cheese.
Where: 9235 San Leandro Street, Oakland 94603
Contact: Jerry Ratti at (510) 636-4250

SHELTER, Inc. of Contra Costa County
A charitable nonprofit organization that annually helps 4,000-5,000 individuals, almost half of them children, facing homelessness in the county, moving the homeless into homes, preventing homelessness, and expanding affordable housing.
Need: Twin or double beds, sheets, blankets, pillows, kitchen starter kits and bath items. Baby blankets, diapers (all sizes) and training pants. Volunteers with trucks who can help move beds and furniture. We are able to coordinate groups who would like to provide furniture and household items to help a family move into a home in time for the holidays. Call donation line for updates: (925) 957-7577.
Where: Administrative Office, 1815 Arnold Drive, Martinez
Contact: Theresita Ortiz, (925) 957-7561, theresitao@shelterincofccc.org

Winter Nights Rotating Family Shelter
Twenty parishes and faith congregations provide a warm, safe place to sleep for homeless families with children and elderly individuals in central Contra Costa County from Oct. 17, 2006 until April 30, 2007. The shelter provides three meals a day and transportation to school for the children.
Needs: Financial contributions for operating costs.
Where: Interfaith Council of Contra Costa, 1543 Sunnyvale Ave., Walnut Creek, 94517
Contact: Gwen Watson, (925) 930-9965

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