Stories - Share the Spirit

Previous Stories

A look at those we’ve helped throughout the years

Since 1989, Share the Spirit has helped those in need in Alameda and Contra Costa Counties and the rest of the Bay Area by publishing their “Stories” — an in-depth account of their hopes and struggles — in the East Bay Times during the holiday season. Readers responded generously with donations that helped these people and the organization involved. Here are some of those Stories from past campaigns:

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2021
2022
2023

2023

After years in the foster system, a young woman gets a room of her own

Donations will help First Place for Youth provide housing, counseling, education and employment support to 140 young adults ages 18-25 in Contra Costa and Alameda counties who are transitioning from the foster care system.

2023

La Familia offers ‘peace of mind’ for thousands of East Bay residents

For weeks after his brother’s suicide in January, Jamaal Morgain barely ate. He refused to – he wanted to waste away, to spiral back into the dark pit of depression ...

2023

Oakley woman gets around fine without sight, with a little help from Lions Center

Donations will help Lions Center for the Visually Impaired support its three lines of assistance to those 55 and older who are blind, are experiencing vision loss or who are at risk of losing their sight.

2023

A unique roommate finder helps Bay Area seniors stay in homes

Donations will help Home Match stabilize the housing situation for 30 or more individuals in Contra Costa and Alameda counties by establishing 15 new compatible matches.

2023

Rising hunger spurs Martinez nonprofit to feed hundreds more people every day than before the pandemic

Donations will help Loaves and Fishes of Contra Costa serve 2,000 warm holiday meals at its dining rooms and provide $10 grocery gift cards for 350 clients who cannot afford food.

2023

Tri-Valley nonprofit helps pets change lives

Donations will help Paws In Need treat companion animals belonging to individuals experiencing financial hardship, keeping families and their beloved pets together. These funds will allow the organization to reach over 150 animals, and prevent overpopulation in overcrowded animal shelters.

2023

Share the Spirit: How to succeed in small business — meet the organization that helps make it happen

Donations will help Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center deliver 10-week, Spanish-language courses for 30 lower income, Spanish-speaking individuals, to help aspiring entrepreneurs build the skills, business acumen and support networks to become successful small business owners.

2023

Previous Stories

A look at those we’ve helped throughout the years

After years in the foster system, a young woman gets a room of her own

La Familia offers ‘peace of mind’ for thousands of East Bay residents

Oakley woman gets around fine without sight, with a little help from Lions Center

A unique roommate finder helps Bay Area seniors stay in homes

Rising hunger spurs Martinez nonprofit to feed hundreds more people every day than before the pandemic

Tri-Valley nonprofit helps pets change lives

Share the Spirit: How to succeed in small business — meet the organization that helps make it happen

Lincoln Families opened the doors for one mother to learn English — and so much about herself

These Battle Tested Kids are learning to post victories in life despite the obstacles

How an East Bay nonprofit gave one man a home after 30 years on the streets

She succeeded beyond her imagination. This foster youth agency helped make it possible.

What does ‘justice’ look like? These East Oakland teenagers are figuring it out.