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
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2022

St. Vincent de Paul volunteer won’t stop giving back

Donations will help St. Vincent De Paul of Contra Costa County provide $75 holiday food-gift cards to 200 needy families — about 800 people — struggling to pay for basic items — milk, diapers, fresh produce or ingredients for special ...

2022

Meet the diabetic alert dogs who save lives

Donations will help Early Alert Canines support training and dog care and provide supplies to volunteer families who look after the animals before they’re placed with clients.

2022

Bay Area food bank staffers work around the clock to keep up with massive demand

Donations will help the Food Bank of Solano and Contra Costa obtain, transport and distribute food to hundred of thousands of people monthly through direct service programs. The food bank says it can provide two meals for every dollar contributed.

2022

Agency prepares students with disabilities for work in film, media

Futures Explored will use donations to help students pursue their ambitions in film and media. The funds will go toward new equipment and instructor training for the program.

2022

Pittsburg mom able to dream with help of Immigration Institute of the Bay Area

Donations will help Immigration Institute of the Bay Area provide legal consultations and legal representation to the low-income immigrant communities in Contra Costa and Alameda counties.

2022

Housing helps at-risk Oakland man put down roots during pandemic

Donations will help East Bay Innovations purchase basic emergency items and supplies for more than 175 OakDays facility residents’ medical needs, including oxygen, evacuation chairs and mobility aids, client- and diet-specific food supplies, go-kits, battery packs and chargers.

2022

Hayward woman credits Civicorps training with bringing dream closer to reality

Donations will help Civicorps pay the salary of a lead case counselor, who provides trauma-informed counseling, conflict resolution, social services support, and case management to its participants annually.

2022

Martinez shelter welcomes struggling families

Shelter Inc. will use donations at its Mountain View Family Shelter in Martinez to help with cost of housing operations, client needs, food, transportation and supplies.

2022

Winter Nights Family Shelter helps homeless get back on their feet

Donations will help Winter Nights Family Shelter to assist families move into permanent housing by covering rental deposits, and pay for temporary motel stays for families sleeping in vehicles.

2022

This veteran wanted a career change — Swords to Plowshares steered her toward a new job.

Donations will help Swords to Plowshares to raise $25,000 to help veterans like Jessie Kohgadai with transportation vouchers and basic need services.

2022

Sunflower Hill more than just a home for those with special needs

Donations will help Sunflower Hill provide programming and activities at Irby Ranch to help intellectually or developmentally disabled adults develop skills to support independent living. The programs will also be offered to 25 individuals outside of Irby Ranch.

2022

ShowerHouse Ministries changing lives one shower at a time

Donations will help ShowerHouse Ministries pay for operating the showers, supplying items for hygiene kits and clean clothes, purchasing food and putting gas in the truck and filling propane tanks for hot water and cooking.