GREATER GOOD
Our Listings for “That Little Bit Extra”
Here are some opportunities to help our Philanthropy Partners outside of our usual volunteer and donation outreach, as well as other community organizations in need.
These opportunities are open to anyone, not just our members.
PROJECT OPEN HAND
DONATE
Project Open Hand collects and shares toiletries with their clients, many of whom struggle to afford basic needs. Get involved by organizing a toiletries drive at your school, workplace, church, or gym. Please drop off new, full or sample-size toiletries (list of items needed below) at the following locations:
Attn: Mary Beth/Client Services
Project Open Hand in San Francisco
730 Polk Street, between Eddy and Ellis
Hours: Monday – Saturday, 8:30 am to 7:30 pm
Project Open Hand in Oakland
1921 San Pablo Avenue at 20th Street
Hours: Monday – Friday, 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.
Questions?
Contact Laura Garner at lgarner@openhand.org or 415-447-2313.
Toiletry items: (Please note: All items should be new and sealed.)
Shampoo
Bar Soap
Toothpaste/toothbrush, dental floss
Deodorant
Aftershave lotion
Pocket-sized tissues
Disposable wipes
Socks
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WHITE PONY
DONATE
As we are cleaning out their closets and storage spaces, perhaps consider donating these items to the White Pony General Store (WPGS), which distributes new and like new clothing, shoes, toys, children’s books and games to our Contra Costa neighbors in need. Every item is cleaned before redistribution.
TheGeneral Storedrop-off hours are Monday through Friday from 1pm-5pm and Saturday from 9am-12pm. Located at 3380 Vincent Road #107 in Pleasant Hill.
VOLUNTEER
White Pony has a program called the White Pony Inn where they deliver groceries to people who have chronic medical conditions and cannot afford healthy foods. Anyone can contribute monetarily if they don’t feel comfortable volunteering in person.
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THE TRINITY CENTER
The Trinity Center in Walnut Creek is the only local day center program open to the homeless and working poor. They are also serving Concord residents affected by the temporary closure of the warming center in Concord.
At this point of the COVID-19 crisis, they are serving a public health benefit for the community - helping many people shelter in place at their center, with social distance. These are members of our community who would otherwise have no place to shelter.
DONATE
*Donate fundshere. Remember, even $1 or $2 can make a difference. Funds raised help benefit the Safe Parking program to help 12 people shelter in their cars for a month, a cost of $8,500.
*Order from their Amazon Wish List. Items are delivered straight to the shelter. Greatest needs include supplies to assist members who are sheltering outside (e.g. sleeping bags, socks). In the Notes section, mention that you are boys team charity, Walnut Creek League.
*Purchase gift cards (Safeway, Trader Joe's, Target, Ace), and mail them to the Trinity Center (address below) for on-the-ground food and supplies. Gift cards can be ordered online or you can buy when doing your own shopping and mail it. Make a note that you are with btc, Walnut Creek League.
*Purchase gas cards and mail them to the Trinity Center (address below). This is especially helpful for volunteers to pick up supplies.
VOLUNTEER
Volunteer from home. Contact Victoria to find out more. The center appreciates help writing thank you emails and making wellness check phone calls to longtime donors (not asking for funds, just checking to see if they are OK.) Ninety percent of those being called are in the vulnerable population and may be feeling isolated and alone at home.
Mailing Address (not temporary shelter address) for gift cards:
Trinity Center
Attention: Community
1924 Trinity Avenue
Walnut Creek, CA 94596
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THE FOOD BANK OF CONTRA COSTA AND SOLANO COUNTIES
TheFood Bank of Contra Costa and Solano is stepping up, as always, to provide free nourishing food to those who need it. Under normal circumstances, 1 in 8 residents rely on the Food Bank. Now even more members of our community need help to secure food for their families.
DONATE
Donate funds, and share with friends who might be in a position to help. Monetary donations are the most simple way to enable the Food Bank to efficiently purchase food and supplies, and hire personnel to continue operations.
VOLUNTEER
If you are healthy and symptom-free, volunteer to sort, box, or distribute food. The Food Bank has stepped up its already-stringent cleanliness practices. They are doing everything possible to create social distance.
Visitthis linkto donate or volunteer at the Food Bank. If you or someone you know needs food, encourage them to visit one of the Food Bank’s distribution sites, foundhere.
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MONUMENT CRISIS CENTER
We are doing our best to address the overwhelming need in the community and have activated our Disaster Mission with our Emergency Food Distribution Program. We are open to all in need and there are thousands!
DONATE
We will accept donations of perishable and non-perishable food during these times. To donate without leaving home, please text MCC to 41-444. Thank you!
VOLUNTEER
We miss our volunteers! We are operating on a week-to-week basis, as safely as we possibly can, with our small but mighty staff making it happen! While we are constantly monitoring the situation – latest updates are available on our website.
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PLEASE NOTE: btc is providing this information as a courtesy. By posting these listings, we are not warranting their legitimacy. Before donating to a charity, you should research the charity to be sure it’s legitimate and effectively uses donations for the cause it supports. One way to do this is by using Charity Navigator.
If you have a service philanthropy or non-profit that you'd like to have listed, please email our League’s VP of Philanthropy.
FAQ
Q: Who can take advantage of these opportunities?
A: Anyone! You don’t have to be a btc member. These events/happenings are outside of our League’s purview.
Q: What if I know of something that should be posted here?
A: If you have a Greater Good Opportunity, please contact the League VP of Philanthropy.