Help us find those who need a helping hand as part of our annual ‘Book of Dreams’ charity
As we enter the fall season and the prelude to the holidays, we can think about how we can rise. And one of the ways to do that is to lift the spirits and fortunes of someone else.
“Book of Dreams,” our annual charitable effort not only eases the pain of others and brings joy to those in the shadow of sorrow, but also helps us all find fulfillment in giving. Here is a chance to let us know who is in need so we can highlight requests for funds to make some holiday dreams come true.
We have embarked on this outreach to the community for more than three decades — “Book of Dreams” is in its 37th year. We do this in three steps. We first ask for your suggestions of people and organizations who can use a helping hand. We select 10 to highlight in stories and pictures, offering a way to donate money, starting on Thanksgiving. And on Christmas we share with you the dreams that have been fulfilled.
This is the first step, our solicitation of nominations. Last year, you helped a hospital buy comforting swings for preterm babies, veterans repair their homes, a dog rescue group pay vet bills and expand literacy – reading for students, food literacy for kids and cooking classes for seniors.
Who do you feel deserves help? With this story is a link to our nomination form with which you can identify worthy recipients, describe what they need and what we can do to meet it. The deadline is Oct. 25.
What we do and who we are
How do we do this?
We work with the Sacramento Region Community Foundation to administer the funds you provide. Last year, you joyfully contributed close to $100,000, and we used those funds and saved monies raised from previous drives not only to fulfill the dreams of the 10 published accounts, but provide help for 28 more.
Behind the project are Bob Shallit, a former editor at The Bee, and Terri Yamagata, who makes sure we field the requests and works closely with the Sacramento Region Community Foundation. The visuals are produced and coordinated by our editors Lezlie Sterling and Nathaniel Levine.
For an idea of the work we have done, and the contributions you have made to help us all rise, you can go to our page, sacbee.com/bookofdreams. You will find how uplifting giving can be.
This story was originally published September 22, 2024 at 5:00 AM.
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