The holiday giving campaign raised more than $903,000, which will provide Bay Area nonprofits with funding to help more than 50,000 families and individuals.
Despite the uncertainties surrounding the unrelenting COVID-19 pandemic, Wish Book readers remain steadfast in their support for Bay Area nonprofits and the people they serve. Readers donated more than $903,000 to the Mercury News’ holiday giving campaign, supporting a diverse group of worthy causes — many that are struggling to recover from the pandemic.
Among the beneficiaries is Leonora Martinez, who finally will be able to draw a real bath for her teenage son, Austin, who was disabled following a 2017 bicycle accident. Leisa Preston, director of East Palo Alto-based Ecumenical Hunger Program, asked Wish Book readers to help Martinez in a way the nonprofit couldn’t by providing $25,000 in funds to build the family a bathroom that can accommodate Austin’s wheelchair as well as a special bathtub for the 6-foot-1 inch, 250-pound young man.
YSI Executive Director Erika Buck says the $25,000 from Wish Book readers will help programs like its new “Science Saturday” at Alum Rock Park in San Jose. Right now, it reaches about 66 at-risk and low-income students, but YSI wants to expand its scholarship program to serve 288 kids. But Executive Director Ann Peterson is optimistic that when things settle down health-wise, they’ll be able to bring many services back. And the $20,000 wish that was fulfilled by Wish Book readers will be part of that effort.
The Wish Book program was launched in 1983 as a way for the greater San Jose community to shine a light on the stories of the less fortunate among our neighbors and provide a way for readers to help them achieve better lives. Tax-deductible donations are accepted year-round at wishbook.mercurynews.com.
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