November 3, 2023
Hello Everyone. We recently celebrated our 50th anniversary as an organization. This occasion seems the perfect time to put forth a list of what South Bay Seniors-People Helping People (PHP) has done since becoming a non-profit in late 1972.
Volunteers make all of People Helping People’s ongoing programs and accomplishments happen. We have no paid staff.
Here are a few of the most notable things South Bay Seniors – People Helping People has been involved in over the years:
- We were the largest private donor towards the original construction of the South Bay Community Center (SBCC). Our name is highlighted on the bronze plaque hanging near the front door of the SBCC.
- Every Wednesday, 52 weeks a year, volunteers collect, store, and staff a food distribution. People Helping People’s weekly food giveaway has distributed over 400,000 bags of food during our 50 years of existence, mostly at no cost. Thanks to our volunteers, we were able to continue this without interruption during the Covid-19 lockdown.
- We provide a wide variety of medical equipment (non-motorized) to anyone in need. Annually, we have loaned out 200+/- pieces of equipment to community members.
- People Helping People annually schedules all the bell ringers in Los Osos for the Salvation Army. We also do the daily cash counts and deposits. Our bell ringers have collected more than $250,000 over the 2+ decades we have been in charge of the kettles for Los Osos.
- We made a large contribution from an endowment to the South Bay Community Center to pay for a whole list of needed improvements: new roof, kitchen remodel, new bathroom counters and sinks, furnaces, water heater, lighting upgrades, kitchen oven, freezer and stage refinishing, among others.
- We donated two major capital improvements to the SBCC: the double convection oven in the kitchen and the new state of the art projection system.
- People Helping People coordinated and funded construction of an additional storage area and dressing room for the stage at SBCC. Numerous contractors, engineers, and loyal supporters donated a substantial part of what was needed to complete this project.
- During the Covid-19 lockdown, People Helping People raised approximately $32,000 for the SBCC and kept the Center viable until normal rental operations were allowed to resume.
- We have donated over $15,000 of proceeds from our annual rummage sales to the SBCC.
- Our People Helping People-sponsored Needs ‘N Wishes Holiday Fundraiser has raised and donated over $750,000, with portions of the proceeds over the years benefiting the Maxine Lewis Memorial Homeless Shelter, 40 Prado Homeless Services Center, SLO Noor Clinic, Transitional Food & Shelter, and Los Osos Cares, who we helped financially get off the ground.
- Within days of the Vista De Oro flooding disaster in January, the People Helping People board approved $50,000 of our reserves (and internally raised another $14,000) to immediately assist residents affected by the disaster with hotel accommodations, food and gas gift cards, pod rentals, Air B&B stays, contractor deposits, truck rentals and direct checks. We provided more local monetary assistance than any organization other than FEMA.
This year, Salvation Army Bell-Ringing runs from Monday, November 20 through Christmas Eve, December 24. Ringers will be at both doors of Ralph’s Monday thru Saturday from 10AM to 6PM. We could use more ringers this year and I know the Salvation Army appreciates every penny we collect annually. The two hour shifts start at 10AM and end at 6PM. Please call 805-528-5800 if you can help. Also, if you normally mail a donation to the Salvation Army, please consider dropping it in a kettle instead. That will ensure that 90% of the donation stays locally, here on coast.
The 18th Annual Needs ’N Wishes Holiday Fundraiser (sponsored by People Helping People) will be back the Community Center on Saturday, December 9th from 10AM until we close the silent auction at 6PM. Click here for more details. Remember, we have no overhead to cover from total event proceeds. Therefore, 100% of your donation or purchases go directly to 4O Prado Homeless Services Center and SLO Noor Clinic, the two wonderful organizations Needs ‘N Wishes benefits. Also, the first $8,000 of cash or check donations will be matched dollar for dollar, so your donation has a good chance of being doubled. As always, thank you to all of our volunteers and donors who make us what we are collectively: People Helping People.
Be safe. Enjoy the Holidays. And, if you have the means, please help those of least means among us. Not just during the holiday season, but throughout the year.
Sincerely, Richard Margetson — President
