As a Santa Cruz real estate broker for 20 years I have often had the
privilege of working for people that have lovely gardens. Sometimes
these are homes have nice old fruit trees. When I have these Santa Cruz homes to sell, they are often vacant, it comes to mind what a waste of this lovely fruit or produce.
So in these difficult economic times it occurs to that as agents we
can contact our sellers and ask if we can donate the fruit to a charity
such as Grey Bears ( http://www.greybears.org/contact.html ) or Second Harvest food bank (http://www.thefoodbank.org/)
Please look into your pantries, talk with neighbors who aren't
harvesting their bounty of their yards and give what you can to the
needy. This time of year persimmons are usually around and are a great
healthy treat and store well. Oranges are often coming into season, and
sometimes a few lemons are useful as well.
If you know of a neighbor or someone who has a bounty, contact one
of the above organizations or myself and we'll see what can be done to
distribute the food.
If you feel like volunteering, the state has a program called California volunteers that is of course state wide.If you prefer to volunteer in our community, Volunteer Centers of Santa Cruz is another place to give your time as well as things that can be life changing for both you and the child by volunteering for Big Brothers/Big Sisters.
Any of the above would greatly appreciate you help, big or small as the
time or resources you can. Have a safe holiday season.
Sometimes just calling on a senior to cheer them up or a neighbor
who is elderly, will give you and them cheer, so look around for
opportunities. More than money your heart and help is need most. Don't
get me wrong all these institutions need you support. Places like United Way of Santa Cruz
help a great many organizations and are another one stop shot for
donating to many causes, though you can specify which you want if you
have a favorite. The spirit of the holidays is not about getting, but
about giving and humanity. Be good to yourself and others.