Book of Dreams 2022: We have 10 ways you can still provide comfort and joy
Our Book of Dreams staff has produced stories and images about 10 requests between Thanksgiving and now, spurring many of you to open your hearts and give during the holiday season. We work with the Sacramento Region Community Foundation to process and distribute the money so your acts of generosity can be realized. You can still give, go to sacbee/bookofdreams.
Wreaths Across America: Veterans’ honors
A local group sought $8,000 to buy wreaths to be placed on the headstones of all veterans buried at Newcastle, Rocklin, Gold Hill and Ophir cemeteries for a national day of remembrance on Dec. 17.
My Mother’s Voice: Books for kids
The Roseville program in its 10th year, is hoping to raise $15,000. The nonprofit is dedicated to improving reading skills and reading appreciation among students in Title 1 schools and its organizers hope to buy more books and other gifts for children, as well as some necessities like food and clothing for struggling families. Organizers also are hoping to launch a pilot program called Upon Waking, which will offer wrap-around services for families in need, including tutoring and mentoring for families.
Gateway Community Charters: Snow day for refugees
Gateway Community Charters is hoping to raise $9,000 to provide a snow holiday, “a little taste of home,” for 164 Ukrainian and Afghan refugee children and their families, while also covering costs of coats, beanies and winter socks.
Angels for Hearts: Golf for kids
Angels for Hearts founder Kimberly Kaufman is hoping to raise $10,000 to expand the “I Heart Golf” program that purchases clubs and lessons for heart-challenged kids to play golf, an important outlet for those who have had heart problems that prevent them from participating in higher-intensity sports.
Girls on the Run: Shoes and training
Girls on the Run of Greater Sacramento is seeking $10,000 to sponsor two 5K running teams with coaching, athletic shoes, race fees and off-the-track teaching of critical life skills. In 2022, nearly half of all the participants needed some financial aid to participate. To help as many girls as possible, organizers are hoping Book of Dreams can underwrite the run-related expenses in 2023.
Mercy Pedalers: Tricycles for volunteers
The Mercy Pedalers, a corps of 100 volunteers who ride on adult tricycles while passing out face masks, bananas, toiletries and other items to people living on the streets in and around downtown Sacramento, is hoping to raise $20,000 to acquire 20 new tricycles and obtain sleeping bags, socks, underwear and other items.
Multiple Sclerosis Achievement Center: Exercise machine
About $15,000 is being sought to upgrade and expand exercise equipment for victims of multiple sclerosis. The Multiple Sclerosis Achievement Center on Greenback Lane offers weekly five-hour group exercise sessions to help patients maintain the best quality of life as long as possible. One goal is the purchase of a second MotoMed exercise machine that allows center members to exercise even if they have diminished ability to move their extremities.
West Slope Foundation: Fire victims’ help
Victims of the Caldor Fire will benefit from $5,000 to $10,000 through the Book of Dreams. The West Slope Foundation is trying to meet a need for winter wear for residents of Grizzly Flats, where 440 homes were lost to fire. At the top of the list of needs are boots, heavy coats and other warm clothing. The need is especially acute because the federal government turned down requests for “individual assistance” - a program that normally helps fire victims purchase essential items.
Good Sense Dogs: Pet rescue facilities
A Carmichael group, Good Sense Dogs, operates a small pet rescue that specializes in housing pets of unhoused people who are sick or dying. Owner Kristi Schall is seeking $13,000 to add a stand-alone outbuilding with heating and air conditioning, and hopes to add more dog beds and a covered dog run. She has partnered with Joshua’s House, a planned hospice for the terminally ill on Larchwood Drive in North Sacramento.
Effie Yeaw: Bird space
Effie Yeaw Nature Center in Carmichael is seeking $12,210 to buy an 8-foot-tall outdoor enclosure to house falcons and hawks, enabling the birds to spread their wings, take in the sunshine and live a more natural life. Orion, a Swainson’s hawk, is one of the most popular attractions for the 100,000 people who visit the nature preserve each year. But when he is out of visitors’ view, he has to stay in a space with just a small window.
