Stories - Share the Spirit

These East Bay organizations were featured in the latest holiday season drive. Read more about them and learn how you can still help.

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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2021
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2024

2024

After bouncing between ‘trap houses,’ a family finds a stable place to raise their son

Donations will help Shelter Inc. support the housing needs of 26 individuals in 11 families, including 12 children, for one month of shelter operations costs at its Mountain Valley Family Shelter in Martinez. Goal: $25,000

2024

Meet the Bay Area pet lovers who are battling animal overpopulation

Donations will help Paws In Need to facilitate spay and neuter procedures for 100 dogs or puppies and 125 cats or kittens, for total assistance to 225 animals that would otherwise not receive the proper veterinary care. Goal: $10,000

2024

Meals on Wheels Contra Costa program provides vital connection

Donations will help Meals on Wheels of Contra Costa, Inc. to provide approximately 4,375 nutritious meals to approximately 625 homebound seniors currently enrolled in the program countywide. Goal: $35,000

2024

Turning shelter into homes

Donations will allow Grateful Gatherings to offer full and mini gatherings for 10 households, giving support with moving and transportation expenses and providing families fighting to stay housed with items like new beds, home essentials and furnishings. Goal: $10,000

2024

Early Alert Canines brings ‘peace of mind’ to East Bay family

Donations will support Early Alert Canines‘ training programs and client follow-up initiatives to help individuals with Type 1 Diabetes and their families. The nonprofit offers round-the-clock assistance for the lifetime of the dog, including continuous training, guidance on veterinary care, ...

2024

This nonprofit works to help people with Down syndrome thrive in the Bay Area

Donations will support Down Syndrome Connection of the Bay Area programs, including the nonprofit’s Communication Readiness Program, support groups, classes, music therapy, educational webinars and workshops, one-on-one consultations, and welcome gift packages containing information for parents and handmade baby quilts ...

2024

Beating addiction and finding purpose in life

Donations to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul of Contra Costa County will support the purchase of 200 family-friendly gift cards, providing food for approximately 800 people. Goal: $15,000

2024

This Bay Area nonprofit is helping folks with disabilities thrive

Donations will cover staff costs for Bay Area Outreach and Recreation Program (BORP) Adaptive Sports and Recreation to offer 100 open hours at its cycling center over four months. Goal: $10,000

2024

From foster homes to Beyond Emancipation

Donations will help Beyond Emancipation support young adults with experience in foster care and their children secure stable, affordable housing by providing holistic support, including life skills, education, and career development services. Goal: $30,000

2023

Share the Spirit 2023: Thank you to these contributors!

East Bay Times readers are again responding generously to the annual effort to help their neighbors in need whose stories are being told in print and online this holiday season. Through January 20, 2024, readers have donated $529,294 to provide much-needed ...

2023

‘Bags of Hope’ nourish families holding vigil over loved ones in the hospital

Donations will help The Network of Care pay for non-perishable food, packaging and transportation costs to provide 5,000 Bags of Hope to families keeping vigil over sick children at East Bay hospitals.

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 ...