Stories - Share the Spirit

Please take a moment to help these East Bay organizations this holiday season. Their dedication and hard work have directly helped those in need in the Bay Area community. Read more about them and how you can help:

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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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2023

The Berkeley Baby Book Project is working to close the readiness gap

Seventeen-month-old Elliott Busa eagerly waits as a new package, addressed directly to him, arrives at his doorstep. He already knows what’s inside, and he can hardly contain himself as the ...

2021

Their grief brought them together; now they help others on the same painful path

Donations will allow Contra Costa Crisis Center to staff their Grief Counseling Services Coordination. The Crisis Center has been facilitating such conversations since 1963. The nonprofit is accredited by the American Association of Suicidology, and it provides 24/7 support and ...

2022

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

Donations will help Battle Tested Kids subsidize tuition for low-income participants. It will also go toward sponsoring participants in camps and paying rental fees for gym time and for equipment. The funds would serve approximately 150 youth.

2023

This San Mateo man — a former inmate — is now saving lives

Donations will be used by Horizon Services/Cherry Hill to create and distribute 1,000 safety and comfort kits to homeless individuals with substance abuse issues living in San Leandro and Oakland encampments and spread awareness of the sobering center.

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.

2021

Traumatized veteran getting needed assistance from Berkeley Food and Housing Project

Berkeley Food & Housing Project’s Community Meal provides over 5,000 meals per month to people experiencing food insecurity. Donations would cover the cost of the holiday meals program. This would include the preparation of special holiday meals during November and ...

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.

2021

Veterans Accession House helps homeless veterans find stability, community in Pittsburg

Donations will help Veterans Accession House install a badly needed air conditioning unit in one home and contribute to ventilation improvement for another.