May 3, 2025

Dear Friend of SOS,

As April, National Volunteer Month, comes to an end, I want to share with you some incredible data that showcases the amazing contributions our volunteers make.

On a weekly basis, we have 60 people – including volunteers from Becoming Independent and Sweetwater Spectrum – coming in regularly to donate an average of 136 hours of their precious time. The Independent Sector, with the Do Good Institute at the University of Maryland, announced last week that the estimated value of a volunteer in California is $38.00 per hour. That equals $5,168 a week, or $20, 672 a month.

Patti England, Pat Collins, and Jude Sale are shown here with the cake for Pat’s goodbye celebration. Pat has been a loyal, hard-working volunteer since the start of the pandemic. He and Patti and Jude, who call themselves the A-Team, have prepared meals every Friday. In addition, Pat served as the backup chef and fix-it man, making equipment work and keeping things running smoothly. We thank him for his dedicated service! He now plans to take some time off, but will also continue his work with Meals On Wheels.

Today, May 3, Kyle Fisher will receive the Catalyst Fund’s Star Award for Outstanding Volunteer. Kyle volunteers for SOS two days a week: one in the kitchen and one delivering food to the homebound. He is a member of the Rotary Club of Glen Ellen/Kenwood and has been volunteering with SOS since 2019 when we were serving Friday night dinners at La Luz. We are so very grateful for his longtime commitment.

SOS Board member, Madolyn Agrimonti – shown on the left with Gemma from Sweetwater Spectrum – enjoys volunteering one day a week, helping to prepare meals. Other Board members volunteer their time along with their Board duties. Judith Walsh does deliveries, Jude Sales works Fridays at Unity Kitchen, and Lora Grimes brings her fellow congregation members from St. Andrew Presbyterian Church to clean and organize our kitchen and grounds. They bring to mind the words of Booker T. Washington: “Those who are happiest are those who do the most for others.”

Please make a financial donation and help SOS continue to make the most vulnerable in our community happy. Your gift gives hope!

Gratefully,

Kathy King

Executive Director