Due to the recent flooding and collapse of the Pajaro Levee, many of our south Santa Cruz County and north Monterey County community members are facing displacement, food insecurity and financial hardships. This flooding is disproportionately affecting lower-income Latinx or Hispanic families, who make up a large percentage of the residents in these areas.
The Mount Madonna School Student Government Association (SGA), in conjunction with other student-led organizations, including the Art and Activism Club and That’s On Period Project, would like to do our part in helping our neighbors in whatever ways we can and include the school and Mount Madonna Center communities in our efforts.
We are formulating a multi-step plan as we receive information from the organizations at the front line. Currently, the most effective way our school community can support those in need is through monetary donations.
Many organizations and shelter locations do not have the capacity to receive clothing or food donations at the present moment, but as soon as they are able to do so, we will be organizing foo, clothing and menstrual products drives, fundraiser events and sharing volunteer opportunities. The first step of our plan, however, is to share a list of local organizations to donate to or volunteer for. Please consider donating and sharing this information with friends and family.
Organizations Accepting Support
Community Foundation of Santa Cruz Disaster Fund:
MONETARY DONATIONS ONLY
The Santa Cruz County Disaster Fund is committed to helping and supporting residents in the Santa Cruz and Pajaro valley area affected by floods, mudslides, wildfires, earthquakes, debris flows and other disasters. Donations to this fund will go directly to local nonprofit organizations and will help benefit those most affected and offer resources to organizations responding to local needs.
Phone: 831.662.2000
Email:
Looking for: Credit card donations, Mailed checks, Donated stock, Wired cash or money given on PayPal
Website: https://www.cfscc.org/
Monterey County Community Foundation Storm Relief Fund:
MONETARY DONATIONS ONLY
Many people have been affected and toppled trees, power outages and flooding are just some issues that they face. Your donations will provide emergency assistance through local nonprofits in the form of financial aid, food, and emergency shelter.
Phone: 831.375.9712
Email:
Looking for: Online donations, Mailed checks, or Donations made over the phone.
Link to their website: https://www.cfmco.org/
Second Harvest Food Bank
Mount Madonna School Fundraising Campaign:
MONETARY DONATIONS ONLY
Second Harvest sources over 11 million pounds of food each year and distributes it to 150 food pantries, schools, soup kitchens, group homes, youth centers, and Second Harvest program sites. Donating to Second Harvest Food Bank Mount Madonna School Fundraising Campaign will help feed those impacted by the recent floods in Watsonville, Pajaro, and surrounding areas.
Phone: (831) 722-7110
Email:
Looking for: Online donations, Mailed checks, or Donations made over the phone.
Website: Mount Madonna School Storm Relief Fund Raiser Fundraising Campaign for Second Harvest Food Bank Santa Cruz County (thefoodbank.org)
Las Raíces y Cariño:
Las Raíces y Cariño is a disaster-relief organization providing local families with support systems.
Phone: 831-288-3105.
Email:
Looking for: Online donations
Donations needed (these are for people mostly living in their cars right now)
- 1 gallon water jugs
- diapers
- blankets
- toiletries, including toothbrushes, wipes, toothpaste
- socks
- underwear for children and women
Donations can be dropped at 1205 Freedom Blvd. Suite 3B, in the back of the building between 9:00am-6:00pm. Volunteers are also needed anytime between 9:00am-6:00pm to help out, just drop in for an hour or so at the same location.
Website: https://www.rcfam.com/welcome-bienvenidos
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Thank you for your consideration,
– Zoey Ocampo-Sobkoviak, grade 12, and Lucy Yen, grade 9
on behalf of the Mount Madonna School Student Government Association
