Kohl's & NVCSS partner again for Kohl's Cares for Kids!

Summer vacation is just around the corner and kids are excited to have a break from school. They are dreaming up summer adventures and the days to be filled with pure bliss. Just the thought brings smiles to their faces. But as quickly as summer springs up, it fades away. As summer comes to a close most kids become excited about going back to school with their new Mickey Mouse backpacks or Hannah Montana lunch boxes. Parents and children will plan and prepare for the first day of school, including where to shop, what to buy and how much money they will spend.

Unfortunately, many low income families struggle to make ends meet and are unable to provide their children with the excitement of shopping for new clothes. They have never enjoyed the boost of self-esteem that comes from wearing crisp new clothes and sharp looking shoes on the first day of school. “Back to School” can be extremely uncomfortable for them as they feel noticeably different from the other children, wearing hand-me-downs, or worse, wearing the same shoes from last year.

Fortunately, Kohl’s Cares for Kids provides back to school shopping for school-age children in need (Kindergarten- 5th). As the non-profit partner, NVCSS raises money for the children to participate. Last year 144 children were helped and went back to school with new clothes and school supplies. The goal this year is to raise $15,000 and to serve 150 children. For every $100 dollars contributed, one more child will start off the school year wearing new shoes and clothes. If you would like to volunteer for the event to shop with a child please contact Tiffany Eckman, Volunteer Assistant, at 530-247-3330

The ultimate goal of Kohl’s and NVCSS is to work together to help take the burden off of low-income families and to boost their children’s self confidence and allow them to focus on academics and learning. For more information, please contact Kim Lewis, Development Technician, at 530-247-3333.

A Royal Thanks

On Thursday April 22nd, NVCSS recognized Shasta County volunteers at the Volunteer Appreciation. The event was held at NVCSS to honor the valuable time that our volunteers have given to us in 2009. Guests enjoyed delightful hors d’oeuvres prepared by Tapas Downtown. The food was absolutely delicious and volunteers enjoyed jicima lettuce wraps, mini chorizo empanadas, Spanish steak bites and more. Once everyone had settled down Cathy Wyatt, the Shasta County Director, commenced the event.

Cathy Wyatt spoke about the dedication and commitment our volunteers give to NVCSS. They address the unmet needs throughout the North State and they provide service, dedication and inspiration. The volunteers lend a hand, they are someone who will understand, a person who will always be there, they are without a doubt someone who cares. Volunteers inspire devotion and we are inspired by their devotion to community service and they inspire those they help. That cycle of kindness made everyday by the volunteers of NVCSS truly makes a difference in the lives of those they touch.

There were five categories of NVCSS volunteerism: Boardsmanship, Retail, Program, Event, and overall Volunteer of the Year. The well-deserving award winners included: Margaret Remedios, Board of Directors; Kathy Ruhe, A Second Time Around Thrift Store; Gretchen Hoagland, Counseling Program; Greg and Ashley Unger, Adopt A Family; and John Kenny, overall Volunteer of the Year. Additionally, the CASA program manager, Karen Schaefer., and the first 15 advocates of CASA were recognized for their hard work and dedication to the program.

NVCSS volunteers promote good and improve the human quality of life. They voluntarily give their time to make a difference in the community. The volunteers of NVCSS have put in over 25,000 hours of volunteering agency wide which is almost the equivalent of 12 full time employees. Executive Director, Don Chapman, recognized and thanked our volunteers. He thanked all NVCSS volunteers for lending a hand, for giving themselves without condition, but with full devotion.