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Dear CRC,
"If I cannot do great things, I can do small things in a great way." Martin Luther King, Jr.
January is a long, full month, is it not? Many of us begin the month with big goals, which has us pushing up our sleeves with optimism for a new start or a new "us." Once the enthusiasm wanes, the goals can feel too big, too daunting. We may quit trying altogether, our heads hung, figuring we can try again next year.
I love the saying, "How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time." While I don't actually condone eating elephants, the point is clear: We can feel overwhelmed by big things, or we can do what we can, one small thing at a time.
At CRC, we take on some of the toughest challenges—helping individuals and families overcome relationship violence, hunger, poverty, homelessness, and mental health struggles. We work to replace feelings of isolation and shame with hope, dignity, and belonging. These issues may seem overwhelming, but together, we make a difference, one step at a time.
In January, I always put together our volunteer report for the year prior, and in 2024 there were many examples of small things you did in great ways to serve your neighbors. Instead of ignoring the big issues in your community, you chose to step into them and do what you could.
Each of you is making a difference. Read below to see just some of the ways you do!
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Gratefully,
Sara Rosenbaum, CVA
CRC Volunteer Manager
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Who Are CRC Volunteers?
Over 1,000 Community members gave more than 25,000 hours of their time in 2024 to come alongside our neighbors in need. What does a CRC volunteer look like? Students, retirees, business groups, community groups like Rotary and the Lion's club, churches, school clubs and sports teams, and families. Diverse backgrounds, faiths and ages, all choosing to partner with us in compassion for others.
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What do CRC Volunteers Do?
In 2024, CRC Volunteers supported the Postal Food Drive, collecting a record number of food donations for our Food Pantry. They helped provide a better holiday season for nearly 300 families. They provided food assistance to 2,204 households in need. They cleaned spaces, organized shelves, represented our programs in the community, woke up at 4 am, supported events and fundraising efforts, and sacrificed mornings, weekends and nights to make a difference in someone else's life.
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Congratulations to CRC's Volunteer of the Month, Fred Wise!
Most Wednesday mornings at the food pantry, Fred, along with team members, are in the back alley sorting through food and breaking down cardboard. He helps unload the many boxes of food donations and lends a helping hand wherever needed. Fred understands the value of providing a safe space for both clients and volunteers. Says nominating staff person Carolina Camacho: "Fred always brings a positive energy to the pantry, and he supports his team by making them feel seen!" Thank you, Fred, for being such an encouraging person and committed volunteer!
*Fred is pictured front and center with some of his Wednesday team
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Volunteer Hours are counted as "in-kind" contributions to our organization, and are given a *monetary value, which CRC uses to show the true cost of running our programs. In 2024, the value of CRC volunteer hours was $973,396.71! In addition, many employers will match your volunteer hours with a monetary donation. Make sure you check to see if your organization provides that benefit. We also use volunteer hours to match grant funding and to provide insight into the communities involvement in our work.
*per the Independent Sector CA value of $38.61/hour
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Orange is for Healthy Relationships | |
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CRC Volunteers are some of our greatest advocates! Be sure to wear orange on February 11th and spread the word about our Teens for Healthy Relationships Conference on Wednesday, February 12th.
Look for a reminder email if you are a currently active CRC Volunteer, going out next month!
To arrange a healthy relationships workshop or to learn more, email dvprevention@crcncc.org.
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Auction Committee Support Needed | |
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Our amazing Auction Committee is looking for a few more volunteers to help them solicit, pick up, and track donations for our fundraising events. Are you outgoing and friendly? Do you have connections in the community? Do you have an hour or two to spare (or more!) each week to support CRC? Email us and let us know you're interested! Donations raise valuable funds that support our programs to end hunger, homelessness and domestic violence.
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Are you part of 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. Tasks may include deep cleaning, sorting, or stocking items. A clean Food Pantry provides a more dignified shopping experience for our clients. And a clean store means happy customers! To learn more, contact the CRC Volunteer Manager.
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Learn More from the CRC Newsletter! | |
This 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!
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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.
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Community Resource Center
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