In hopes of generating much-needed funds to continue serving the residents of the San Lorenzo Valley, volunteers of Mountain Community Resources are making phone calls to valley residents most weeknights this month.
The drive, now in its 27th year, represents one of two major fundraisers that raise about $60,000 between them, said Jennifer Anderson-Ochoa, Mountain Community Resources program director.
“(The drive) is our general fundraising,” Anderson-Ochoa said. “(The money raised) goes to keeping our advocates working and our doors open.”
The center also hosts a fundraising dinner and silent auction in the winter.
Amanda Robinson coordinates volunteers to make the calls during the phone drive. Volunteers call community members between the early evening hours of 5 and 8 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays until the end of the month, seeking tax-deductible contributions.
Robinson calculated that as of Tuesday, Feb. 14, the organization had raised about $13,275. Though that number was less than half of the goal of $32,000, Robinson was optimistic that the organization would meet its goal.
“It’s a leap year,” she said with a laugh. “We’ve got an extra day this year.”
Mountain Community Resources, now part of the larger Community Bridges organization in Santa Cruz County, offers education and resources for parents, provides counseling for young people, and advocates for children, families and the local Latino community.
“(In the San Lorenzo Valley), we’re so removed from the rest of the county that, often, people here don’t know what’s available,” Anderson-Ochoa said.
Last year, the telephone drive raised more than $28,000 from donors.
“It’s a huge part of our budget — that’s how we stay open,” Anderson-Ochoa said. “We really appreciate the support the community gives us.”
For information call 335-6600.
