Across every measure, from health to economic productivity to civic trust, America's social fabric is fraying. Nearly half of U.S. adults report feeling lonely; only one in five employees say they have a close friend at work; and according to the Pew Research Center declining trust costs the economy an estimated 1-2% of GDP each year through friction and inefficiency. The U.S. Surgeon General has warned that loneliness now rivals smoking in its impact on health.
Santa Claus is making a special stop at the Campbell Community Center on Dec. 5 to share a holiday story and spread some cheer. The story time is followed by a family visit and photo opportunity with Santa; parents are welcome to bring their own cameras or cellphones. Children are encouraged to wear their coziest pajamas and to make holiday crafts while waiting for their turn with Santa. Families will be seen in the order they arrive. Story time starts at 6:30 p.m.
In a world full of terror, destruction, fear and alienation, it's sometimes hard to see that there are many people out there who are determined to keep on watering their own little patch of land, not for the applause nor the acclaim, but just because they believe in the saying that no act of kindness, great or small, is ever wasted.
Donating money rather than food gives food banks far more flexibility, as these nonprofits are able to negotiate special deals for the food they buy in bulk - at much better prices than you can access as a private customer at a store. "We can really stretch people's dollars far," Bacho said. "And believe me, they are really needed in this moment."
Organizers are also looking for a few extra hands, claws, paws, tentacles or whatever appendages volunteers have for the occasion to help with the event. To volunteer, visit https://www.downtowncampbell.com/creepycrawly Tricks for Treats Pets and their people are invited to pregame before the Creepy Crawly Halloween event on Oct. 26 at Woofboard, 389 E Campbell Ave., where they'll be serving spooky pup cups and dogs in costume will receive 10% off in-store purchases from 2-4 p.m. For more information, visit http://www.woofboard.co.
There is no discrimination against anyone. We had a young lad come in recently from Dublin, he looked lost, he said he was starving. We fed and helped him, my heart went out to him. He has been in touch recently saying he was offered a job and is settled and he thanked us for helping him.
Even apart from the altruistic aspect of the work, Fruit Rescue's gleaning events - which are open to anyone who signs up through the group's Eventbrite page - are a fun, family-friendly way to spend a morning. The aforementioned peach-picking session didn't wind up happening (backyard fruit can be a fickle enterprise), but my nine-year-old daughter and I drove out to Martinez's Alhambra Valley on an impossibly clear-skied Tuesday morning to harvest about a dozen Bartlett pear trees in a tidy, picturesque frontyard orchard.
"It's not quite what I had in mind entering my eighth decade but it's a new challenge and I'm loving it most of the time, although some days it's exhausting."
San Francisco is the only city in the world with a giant triangle over its Pride festivities. It's a huge reminder and warning of what can happen when hatred can become law.
This year, we recognized those who have made a notable impact across various sectors, celebrating contributions that reflect the compassion and resilience of Lewisham's community.
Ray Hurley has dedicated over 60 years to the Irish Blue Cross, earning him a special award and the title of a modern-day St Francis of Assisi.