For those experiencing poverty, wintertime can be especially tough, says Claudia Ramirez, the executive director of The Society of St. Vincent de Paul of Contra Costa County. Those who struggle to pay their rent in an increasingly costly place are often forced to forgo the cozy symbols of the holidays — elaborate warm feasts and wrapped presents.
That’s why she’s grateful for Share the Spirit, a fundraising campaign administered by the East Bay Times and the Contra Costa Crisis Center to support local nonprofits that is marking its 25th anniversary this year. For the last six years, St. Vincent de Paul has used the campaign’s funds to provides gift cards to low-income families so they can buy food for their holiday meal.