Nominees sought for 2022 Book of Dreams, our annual giving campaign

You can tell so much of life has returned to some sense of normal. Sporting events, concerts, fundraisers are filled with people, masked or not, as we emerge from the pandemic years and rejoice, and perhaps take for granted, simple human interaction. In this way, life is better for so many of us.

We can pause, even as we struggle with all we face still – high gas prices, inflation, political polarization – to ask ourselves, do we have room in our hearts to help those people who struggle more?

The answer for our Book of Dreams donors has always been a resounding, yes. We are launching this annual holiday season charitable effort, now in its 35th year, to give you an opportunity to bring relief and joy to those in need.

We are thankful for your contributions every year.

Your kindness and generosity have lifted the spirits of organizations and people who just need a little help to buy simple things – supplies to support a program that leads people to a better life, or coats to keep children warm. We ask you to nominate those who could use a helping hand. And then we turn to all of you to make those dreams come true.

So we start this way, asking for nominations for this year’s effort. We will review your requests to help others, write stories about those we select, and the community’s generous donations will make those holiday wishes come true.

Last year, you contributed more than $144,000 and we wrote and photographed about 10 dreams fulfilled, while providing grants to a variety of community organizations. Your contributions provided athletic shoes for kids, groceries for seniors, funds to help blood donations – and for homeless shelters, youth training and myriad grateful smiles.

Although the Book of Dreams does not approve requests for housing, cars, trips or cash, no dream is too large or too small if it makes a difference in someone’s life.

Please use the form to nominate an individual, family or nonprofit organization.

Nominations are due by Friday, Nov. 4. Finalists will be notified by mid-November. If chosen by The Bee, nominees must be willing to be featured in a story and photographed for the Book of Dreams. The Bee coordinates this effort with the Sacramento Region Community Foundation.

This story was originally published October 4, 2022 at 5:00 AM.