Community Corner

Meals on Wheels Coin Drive Kicks Off in Santa Cruz County

Organization aims to raise $4,000 to provide warm meals for the elderly.

Have some change to spare?

For the month of February, Community Bridges Meals on Wheels is asking locals to donate at least $5 to their Piggy Bank Coin Drive.

People can bring their change to any Santa Cruz County branch Bay Federal Credit Union, the coin drive partner, including those in , , and . In return, they will be able to “adopt a pig,” or receive a pink ceramic boxed pig.

Last year’s drive generated $3,500, but this year the organization -- which brings nutricious meals directly to home-bound seniors -- is aiming for $4,000, said Naomi Brauner, director of photography at Community Bridges.

The drive kicked off on Wednesday, Feb. 1 with a donation -- in the form of an over-sized check -- from System Studies in Santa Cruz.

“We bring a warm smile, friendly face, and even do a wellness check,” said Brauner. “In some cases, we may be the only person that elder sees all day.”

“We have countless letters and calls of appreciation from the adult children of our participants,” she added, pointing out that they are unable to be there themselves to provide healthy food and a friendly check-in.


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