June 27, 2024

New Eyes

Dear CRC,

It is always valuable to look at the world through another's eyes and to take time to experience something new.

For instance, this morning, CRC's CEO was able to ride along with our truck driver to pick up donated produce for our Food Pantry. He was able to step away from his office for a moment, and experience first-hand the generosity of our community, and the work it takes to keep our shelves stocked. It makes the work we do more personal.

Last week, we had volunteers from Callaway Golf deep clean our Food Pantry. The coordinator for the group, Kevin Foley, said this about the experience: "Each member of our group felt gratitude for the work that your team is doing and to be able to take part for an afternoon. It’s a helpful reminder that there is a lot more to life than the products we’re selling and software we’re developing. You are providing the essentials (food, water and smiles) that keep the world spinning round."

I love being part of an organization that provides opportunities to challenge ourselves and to grow in empathy and community with others! Read on to see more ways that volunteers have experienced new things this month.

Gratefully,

Sara Rosenbaum, CVA

CRC Volunteer Manager

June Updates

Volunteers Represent CRC at Juneteenth Celebration

Thank you to Lee Auerbach, Gayle Patterson and Duke Skaff for tabling for CRC along with staff at the June 15th Juneteenth Celebration in Oceanside!

Said Duke regarding the experience: "I have great hope in my fellow humans that we can change the world. Today was a wonderful example of the value in seeing one another’s kindness and giving and receiving genuine interest. We heard many stories of individuals needing help and those willing and wanting to help. People really opened up to us. There were hugs and congratulations to some who are in the process of getting sober. The spinning wheel and prizes were a huge success in getting passers by interested in our booth.

I am so pleased I volunteered for today’s Juneteenth event. I came home on such a high from all the love."

Students Step Up

Our Resale Stores are seeing a summer uptick of student volunteers! The teens bring energy and enthusiasm to our team and we love it! Supporting CRC provides community service hours and valuable work experience too, all while making a tangible and positive change in the world.

Callaway Golf Gives Back

Thank you Calloway Golf for sending in a team to deep clean our Food Pantry this month!

Shout Outs

Volunteer of the Month

Congratulations to CRC's Volunteer of the Month Cynthia Frega!

From supervising manager, Robert Pontier: "Cynthia is a dynamo. She comes in three to four days a week to our Encinitas shop. Cynthia is well known for her beautiful display windows. She takes meticulous care in choosing a theme and selecting items to complement the theme. She generally spends a whole day working on the window to get it just right.

Cynthia also spends hours making sure our furniture is displayed well. Recently she gave our designer area a much-needed face lift. Cynthia is also a great sales person. As I was typing this, she came back to tell me she sold a $100.00 Chanel scarf.

With the staffing challenges we have faced in the last 3 months, Cynthia has been a constant support. In addition to all the aforementioned tasks Cynthia handles in the shop, she also cashiers for us when needed, and that in itself is a BIG help 😃."

Thank you Cynthia!

Get Involved

Taking Applications for the 24/25 Youth Advisory Board

The Youth Advisory Board (YAB) was established for three main reasons:

Youth Voice: The voice of the youth is important.

Storytelling and Learning: We all have a story to tell or a lesson we can learn.

Leadership Growth: Leadership opportunities can lead to more opportunities.

If you are a high school student interested in learning more about CRC and becoming a better advocate for our mission, we encourage you to apply. Tell us why you want to join! Applications are due by July 31.

Youth Advisory Board Application

Truck Driver Support Needed *Urgent

CRC is looking for volunteers to ride along with our Truck Driver on Wednesdays, and as subs for when our regular volunteer team members are unable to do a shift. This is an early morning shift that requires some heavy lifting. Our drivers pick up food donations from local grocery stores which stocks our Food Pantry. Be a part of this incredible team! We can accommodate one-time volunteers as well as long-term volunteers for this. To learn more, contact the CRC Volunteer Manager.

CRC Swag Store!

You asked, we listened! You are now able to purchase shirts and other CRC branded items directly from an online provider.

*Payments and returns all go through the website, not CRC.

Check out the link below to see our small but mighty collection of items, all representing CRC!

CRC Swag Store

Group Opportunities

Are you a group of 5-15 looking for a way to partner in CRC's mission? There are currently Food Pantry and Resale Store group opportunities available on some late afternoons and weekends. This may include deep cleaning, sorting, or stocking items. A cleaner Food Pantry allows our clients to have a more dignified shopping experience. And a clean store makes happy customers! To learn more, contact the CRC Volunteer Manager.

Learn More from the CRC Newsletter!

The volunteer newsletter primarily highlights the work that our volunteers are doing and provides training and updates that apply to the volunteering experience. The CRC newsletter focuses on client stories, CRC in the news, mission updates, and fundraising opportunities. If you would like to receive that newsletter, you can sign up for it here.

You can also check out the most current newsletter, full of great information, below!

June CRC Newsletter

What's Your Story?

If you have a good story of volunteering, please share with me at volunteer@crcncc.org. I can include those stories in future newsletters as an encouragement to our team.

Help a Neighbor in Need

If you know of anyone in need of food, housing or shelter, please pass along this link to information on how we can help: Get H elp - Community Resource Center (crcncc.org)

Community Resource Center

(760) 230-6501| info@crcncc.org | CRCNCC.org