Joyce Kearns,who is working toward self-sufficiency, reveled in receiving her new comforter, linens and pillow to use at transitional housing.
Officials at the Sacramento Food Bank and Family Services' Mother-Baby Program plan to distribute 300-plus children's books in English and Spanish for area families.
Bonnie Parker's family can use a new desktop computer and printer to complete their homework assignments.
One little girl was so moved by the Book of Dreams stories, she donated two pennies. Others, with more disposable money but with equally big hearts, donated thousands to this year's campaign.
To fulfill this year's 13 dreams, more than 1,000 readers made monetary donations online or contacted The Bee to offer assistance.
To date, the 22nd annual Book of Dreams has raised $102,525.49. Contributions will be accepted until Jan. 11. All money raised will be used to fund the 13 dreams. Any remaining funds will be given to nonprofit organizations that work with children and families. None of the money will be spent on administrative costs.
Below are three stories of how the generosity of Bee readers benefited people in need.
A comfortable transition
Joyce Kearns, a woman getting back on her feet at transitional housing, couldn't stop talking last week about how much she appreciated her bed-in-a-bag purchased by Book of Dreams readers.
She was presented with a new pillow, linens, comforter and towels last week upon arriving at the Volunteers of America Independent Living Readiness Program.
"How awesome is this?" she asked.
Today, she lives with several dozen other individuals in VOA apartments on a quiet residential street.
She previously lived at a homeless shelter for five months after losing her job and home.
Money is hard to come by for social service programs. Donations are down and help from government sources is scarce.
But there is one small but important service VOA managers of the Independent Living Readiness Program hoped would continue.
With the donations to the Book of Dreams by readers of The Bee, bed-in-a-bag sets for new arrivals at the VOA transitional apartments will continue.
"It really makes a difference," said Sean McGlynn, VOA case manager.
– Bill Lindelof
Bevy of books
A bounty of books has flooded the Sacramento Food Bank and Family Services, thanks to the Book of Dreams.
The charity's Mother-Baby Program was able to acquire 300 children's books in English and Spanish with the $2,500 donation. Program officials also have received offers of books from other community groups and local good Samaritans, said Angelique Keys, the organization's resource specialist.
One group, which makes bilingual children's books, plans to give the program 400 books for toddler and preschool-age children, as well as some for school-age children.
Keys said the phone started ringing with offers of books the day the story was published.
The program needed bilingual books for its new reading class – part of an array of parenting classes offered monthly – and will give the books to participating families in an effort to encourage them to read with their children.
The books written in both languages also will help the primarily Spanish-speaking families learn English alongside their children, which in turn will help the children adapt more easily into school, she said.
"It helped us take our family life workshop one step further," Keys said.
– Niesha Lofing
Help for the family
One day, Bonnie Parker hopes to be able to help others – as Book of Dreams donors have done by fulfilling her wish of a computer and printer for her family.
"They're doing it out of the kindness of their hearts," the 38-year-old Oak Park resident said.
Parker's husband, Artimus Parker Jr., known as T.J., died in April after a six-year battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease. He was 38.
Thanks to Book of Dreams readers, a Hewlett-Packard desktop computer and printer, along with a 32-inch monitor, was delivered to the Parker home last week.
The ALS Association of Greater Sacramento had nominated the family, knowing the five Parker children, who range in age from 8 to 18, needed it to help with their homework.
Bonnie Parker said the association will provide food and gifts for the family for Christmas.
She was laid off from her job in the accounting department at Lifetouch in Citrus Heights in November. She hopes to be rehired in February but is looking for other work.
– Sandy Louey
• Because of incorrect information provided to The Bee, a Book of Dreams story Tuesday on Page B4 misidentified the provider of Christmas gifts and food for the Parker family. Employees from Ames-Grenz Insurance Services donated the items.
