Answer the Call

When there’s a call for help, you know what to do.
By Bradley Zeve
2020 has been a bear—Covid-19, three major local wildfires, economic upheaval, physical confinement, mental unease—and chances are that 2021 won’t be much easier, particularly for those with less means.

What may be most remembered and revered after all this passes is how some folks shined in a time of crisis and even better, how our community—as a whole—came together for the good.

As amazing as Monterey County can be, too many people are too vulnerable, and that’s particularly true now. And they need your help.

Monterey County Gives! is an extraordinary program for the good, a living, breathing example of what we can do to collectively make an impact in the community that is our home. Since we got this program rolling 10-plus years ago, over $27.5 million has been raised and donated through Monterey County Gives!

As great as that accomplishment is, in the year 2020 we need to do even better, and double down on our efforts.

Inside this special edition are the writeups about 162 nonprofit organizations we’ve selected for this year’s program. All could use your help.

Last year nearly 5,000 people contributed to MCGives!, raising more than $5.4 million. If you were one of those people, thank you.

In 2020, the challenges facing your neighbors and nonprofit organizations are greater than ever. Whether you can give $10 or $10,000, please join
in and support Monterey County Gives! Imagine if 7,500 or even 10,000 of us participated, each of us giving a little (or a lot).

We would make a lasting measurable, undeniable impact. We would be supporting those most in need—and the organizations that support them. We will be part of writing our own history.

And here’s the bottom line: You’re needed, more than ever. Please answer the call. Thank you.

Bradley Zeve is the Founder & CEO of Monterey County
Weekly and co-creator of Monterey County Gives!