Valley Churches launches Thanksgiving project

Valley Churches United Missions is moving full-steam ahead to collect food and cash in anticipation of helping more than 600 households in the San Lorenzo Valley and Scotts Valley this Thanksgiving.
As part of its Thanksgiving and Christmas projects, VCUM is collecting food, food vouchers, cash, gift certificates, new toys, cookies, gifts for seniors and for teenagers, Christmas trees, gift wrap, poinsettia plants, and new blankets, socks and jackets.
“If you are able, donate what you can, when you can — whether it’s food, money or your time,” Linda Lovelace, operations director, wrote. “I know plenty of folks who will truly appreciate it as they benefit from your generosity by receiving the basic necessity, food.”
Last year, the agency distributed nearly $600,000 worth of goods and cash, with a minimal 4.6 percent administrative cost.
Beginning on Sunday, Nov. 1, bags of goods can be taken to the Valley Churches Holiday Boutique, on the corner of Highway 9 and Love Creek Road in Ben Lomond, between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. weekdays and 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. weekends.
Volunteers are needed to fill bags, wrap gifts, pick up and deliver items and help with clerical needs. Cash donations can be sent to Valley Churches United Missions, P.O. Box 367, Ben Lomond 95005.
Businesses participating in the drive are Scotts Valley Market, Ben Lomond Market, Safeway stores in Felton and Scotts Valley, New Leaf Markets in Felton and Boulder Creek and Johnnie’s Market in Boulder Creek.
The nonprofit has operated in the San Lorenzo Valley since 1982.
For information: 336-8258.