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A Special Advertising and Content Section of the Santa Cruz Sentinel August 12, 2023 What does it mean to be the heart of the community? At the Vol- unteer Center of Santa Cruz County, it means creating connections, empowering individuals, and building a stronger community through vol- unteerism. Since 1967, The Volunteer Center has been the home for volunteerism in Santa Cruz County, connecting people, nonprofits, and businesses to causes that matter most to them. This National Nonprof- it Day, let's celebrate the heart of Santa Cruz County - volunteers. The Volunteer Cen- ter Staff and Board of Directors extend their deepest gratitude to ALL the volunteers in our community. Let's applaud the volunteers who keep the rhythm of our community beating strong, the nonprofit staff who coordinate and guide, and the network of people, organizations, and businesses that consis- tently show up to support one another. Volunteers are always ready when you need them - be it mucking mud from a flood damaged home, teaching English skills, or simply a ride to the doctor. It is volunteers who consistently show up - sorting donations, mak- ing phone calls, delivering groceries and strengthen- ing our community. Young volunteers learn the value of community service through the Youth- SERVE program, foster- ing the next generation of community leaders. The volunteer tutors with the Literacy Program empower adults in our community to find better opportunities for them- selves and their families. The Empowered Aging Division, with its six se- nior assistance programs, ensures older adults in Santa Cruz continue to be The Heart of The Community By The Volunteer Center Volunteer Literacy Tutors gave 158 adult English learners the gift of literacy last year. The program will soon begin it's fall tutor orientations - sign up now at svcolunteercenter.org a valued and active part of our community. Each year, hundreds of volunteers bring holiday cheer to 600+ families through the Adopt-a-Family pro- gram. At the same time, engaged, compassionate volunteers restore justice, provide hope, and support change for those impacted by incarceration through the center's Friends Out- side Program. And, let's also honor the thousands of volunteers who support the many nonprofits doing vital work in our community. Every day, volunteers of all ages roll up their sleeves to comfort the grieving, nurture injured animals back to health, cultivate community gar- dens, restore the natural beauty of our beaches and trails, and so much more. Their contributions enrich the lives of those they serve directly and radiate positive change throughout our communi- ty, making Santa Cruz a better place for us all. Isn't it wonderful to live in a community where volunteers are always there when you need them? We invite you to become a part of this vital heartbeat. Sync your beat with ours, and discover the transformative power of service. To get involved, visit www.scvolunteercenter. org or call 831-427-5070. Together, we keep the rhythm of our community strong, and transform our community for good. Your contribution will make all the difference - because in the heart of our communi- ty, every beat counts.