Give to those in need of helping hand

With the arrival of the holiday season, it’s important to remember to help those who are in need of assistance. Thankfully, the charitable Chronicle Season of Sharing Fund is here to offer critical support to individuals and families in need throughout the nine-county Bay Area. This past year, the campaign raised $8.4 million, with more than 5,800 donors contributing to the fund, which helps prevent homelessness and hunger.

The Chronicle Season of Sharing Fund was co-founded in 1986 by The San Francisco Chronicle and the Evelyn and Walter Haas, Jr. Fund to raise money for food banks and families in need. Since it’s founding, the fund has helped more than 100,000 people and raised more than $100 million for charitable donations.

In many cases, the beneficiaries are victims of unforeseen circumstances such as accidents, illnesses or unemployment. The funds can provide the assistance needed for families to pay their rent or housing costs for a month or two, as well as medical bills and food costs. So far, 4,500 individuals and families have received help this year.

“For many of the people we assist each year, our support can make a life-changing difference. These are individuals and families who have been hit with a temporary crisis,” said Jennifer Kirschenbaum, executive director of the Chronicle Season of Sharing Fund. “It’s because of the amazing generosity of the Bay Area community that we have been able to assist our neighbors for over 30 years, but the need has not diminished. The funds we raise through our campaign create stability and help people stay in their homes and put food on their tables.”

The administrative costs are covered by the Evelyn and Walter Haas, Jr. Fund and The San Francisco Chronicle, leaving 100 percent of donations going directly to families in need. To make a donation, go to www.seasonofsharing.org or clip the coupon that accompanies the ads and stories in The Chronicle and mail in a donation.