Book of Dreams: Let’s give thanks for what we have, and thanks for what we can give
The COVID-19 clouds seem to have largely cleared for most of us. That doesn’t mean the coronavirus cases have disappeared, but so many of us have moved on. Gas prices, supply chain problems, inflation – our horizons are darkened by so many new problems.
Still enshrouded in the pall of the pandemic are those who were in need before, and those who have lost their way since. We don’t forget them as we give thanks for what we have. We also give thanks for what we can give.
And so many of you look forward to helping with Book of Dreams, our annual charitable effort during the holiday season to bring relief to many, and joy where we can. We are thankful for your contributions every year.
Three decades of giving
The Bee has reached out with Book of Dreams annually for more than three decades to find organizations and people needing a gentle lift of your kindness. 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.
That is where we are now.
Last year, you contributed more than $200,000 and we wrote and photographed about 10 dreams fulfilled, while providing grants to 32 community organizations. Your generosity helped supply materials for art therapy, buy laptops for Afghan refugees learning to drive and fund education videos to guide domestic violence survivors navigate the court system. You even helped rescued cats.
As we embark on our 34th year, we are looking for contributions, for example, to buy beds for a youth program, fund a business program to teach about operating a kitchen, provide young people running shoes and offer technology resources for those looking to become “youthpreneurs.”
Today you can read Patricia Macht’s piece about the lu Mien Community Services Center on Stockton Boulevard and its request to Book of Dreams readers to help raise $5,000 to help provide one grocery bag for every senior in need monthly throughout the winter.
She quotes Susan Saechao, the center’s executive director: “With that kind of support, they can remove the stressors of finding future months groceries and enjoy their holidays with their families.”
Macht, our correspondent and friend, dives in again this year to bring to life the stories of those who have simple requests to improve the lives of others. She cares deeply about the program.
She is part of a team of our Book of Dreamers, who are committed each year to help others. Nathaniel Levine and Lezlie Sterling, our visuals editors, lead the way in providing captivating images. Bob Shallit, a long-time editor with The Bee, has coordinated this year’s first stage of coverage.
The Bee’s Terri Yamagata is one of our unsung heroes on this project, always making sure we field the requests while working with the Sacramento Region Community Foundation to shepherd your donations.
Our team has provided simple mechanisms for you to donate money. For information and to see past stories, you can go to our page, sacbee.com/bookofdreams
We know many, including so many of you reading this, are still seeing a way past the dark days of the pandemic. As you move closer to a horizon of happiness, please take a moment to look back and see if you can help clear a path for your neighbor who may need an outstretched hand, fist bump or elbow tap – whatever you’re now comfortable with – of support so we can all find our way.
This story was originally published November 25, 2021 at 5:00 AM.
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