THE SPIRIT OF GIVING TUESDAY AND HOW YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Giving Tuesday was created to encourage people to donate to charitable causes on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, just as the holiday shopping season kicks off. This Giving Tuesday, San Diego-area nonprofits are relying on your support to help them provide muchneeded services in our community. We asked some of them to share a little about their work, the successes and challenges they are facing, and how you can make an impact.
ElderHelp Deb Martin,
executive
Q: How important are volunteers to your nonprofit?
Volunteers are the heart of our mission. Alongside staff, nearly 500 community volunteers provide rides, assist seniors with grocery shopping, reduce isolation through friendly visits (in-person when safe and telephonically if necessary.)
Additionally, our volunteers are eyes and ears in the homes of our seniors, noting minor home repairs that our volunteer Home Safety Team can support and alerting us to any changes that may need attention.
Q: How does a monetary donation benefit your nonprofit?
ElderHelp offers services with no set fees, inviting clients to contribute as they are able. Promoting selfadvocacy
and dignity, this model ensures our services reach all in need. Monetary donations from our caring community provide nutritious food to seniors, access to health care, financial advocacy and more.
Q: How has COVID-19 affected your nonprofit in 2021 versus prior years?
Older adults are the highest-risk population impacted by COVID-19. We quickly pivoted from grocery shopping services to doorstep delivery, helping seniors receive nutritious food without risk of exposure in grocery stores. Inhome volunteers were quickly enrolled as telephonic friendly visitors who also provided daily check-in calls as a safety net for seniors, and a lifeline to families who were not able to travel or support their loved ones.
Q: What impact would your nonprofit expect to make on the community in 2022?
Last year, ElderHelp provided assistance to more than 7,000 seniors and their families. ElderHelp’s clients are eight years older than the average senior transitioning to long-term care. You can’t put a price tag on dignity or the comfort of living in your own home. Furthermore, engaging volunteers of all ages fosters community and builds intergenerational bonds that benefit all.
Q: Anything happening over the holidays?
On Dec. 5, ElderHelp volunteers, along with our partners from UPS, will set out to brighten the lives of more than 350 seniors, delivering a festive poinsettia, gift card and handmade greeting. For many, this will be their only holiday visit or gift. It’s a beautiful outpouring of compassion and kindness.
Escondido Creek Conservancy
Ann Van Leer, executive director
Q: How important are volunteers to your nonprofit?
We use volunteers for many different aspects of our organization, including assistance with field trips, events, land upkeep and marketing. We have “Shrub Club,” outdoor education
team, docents, land stewards, a water quality team
and internships.
Q: How does a monetary donation benefit your nonprofit?