Valley People: Ben Lomond resident helps orphans

Zeda Dowell of Ben Lomond is working to help two orphanages in Tijuana, Mexico, this holiday season.
Dowell has teamed up with two outfits — City of Angels, which cares for children 20 months to 18 years old, and Hogar Infantil La Gloria, which cares for babies — to provide shoes and baby supplies for nearly 100 Mexican children.
Dowell got involved when she visited an orphanage while on a trip with her husband, Dennis Powell, who provides free medical service to patients who have eye problems related to diabetes.
“Now, I’ve got names, faces and places,” Dowell said. “I’ve got to do something about it, and I don’t know I can do it all myself.”
Dowell has asked for community support. She hopes to find people interested in pledging to help a particular child or folks who will make a general contribution that she will use to buy supplies for the orphanages.
For information: ze********@gm***.com or 336-9632.
SV resident joins AmeriCorps
Jessica Beauchesne of Scotts Valley began work on her first service project of the year with the National Civilian Community Corps, a branch of AmeriCorps.
Beauchesne began a 10-month full-time commitment to the organization in October. She is part of a team of about a dozen people who complete month-long service projects around the United States.
“I want to accomplish something meaningful that benefits something other than myself,” she said.
Beauchesne graduated from Cypress Charter High School before attending Cabrillo College for a year. Her parents are David and Linda Beauchesne.
Valley folks honored by volunteer center
Valley Churches United Missions was one of a host of valley residents and groups honored for their volunteer work by the Volunteer Centers of Santa Cruz County.
The winners were honored with Be The Difference awards from the Volunteer Center during a celebration Oct. 22 at Cocoanut Grove in Santa Cruz.
• The Volunteer Center honored Annette Marcum, creator and director of Valley Churches, for her tireless advocacy for low-income and disabled people. Her agency was also recognized for its 27 years of service in channeling more than $14 million in direct aid and assistance to county residents with 4.9 percent administrative costs.
• Students Making a Difference on the San Lorenzo Valley High School campus was noted for the inclusive and empowered environment it creates at the school.
• Dave Kuty, a nature guide at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, was celebrated for sharing his love of nature, science, hiking and natural and cultural history with thousands who visit the park each year.
• The Rotary Club of Scotts Valley earned kudos for its projects that help seniors, clean up the environment, support schools and feed the needy.
• Scotts Valley’s Core Strength RX founder Deric Stockton was recognized for organizing a Santa Cruz Special Olympics weightlifting team. Core Strength started The Dragons for adults and teenagers with special needs.