The Bank of America Charitable Foundation, sticking with the philanthropic character it’s known for, recently donated $2,500 to the Central Coast Rescue Mission.
The grant will help fund the group’s efforts to provide food, shelter, hygiene, and clothing—which includes the bare necessities, such as socks, underwear, and T-shirts.
“Every grant helps and is appreciated,” said Rev. Mark Parke, director at the Mission. “We have a pretty big budget here, and a lot of money is needed in order to cover what we do.”
Duties around the Mission also include handing out food boxes, reserved for people who have found themselves in dire situations. Parke has noticed, though, that there are more people registering for the boxes these days.
Central Coast Rescue Mission is grateful for the Charitable Foundation of the Bank of America, but would still appreciate other donations from grant foundations.
The Mission would also be open to clothing donations, which can be dropped off at its thrift store (306 North Broadway in Santa Maria), and would be open to volunteers who can donate their time in serving meals, distributing food boxes, or for yearly events.
Anyone interested in aiding the Mission can visit centralcoastmission.org or call 614-0220.
Intern Henry Houston compiled this week’s Community Corner. Send comments or ideas to the Sun via e-mail at intern@santamariasun.com.
This article appears in Apr 15-22, 2010.