February 28, 2025

Short and Sweet

Dear CRC,

Though February is the shortest month of the year, it offers countless opportunities to reflect on traditions that bring us together.

This month’s newsletter highlights how CRC volunteers have used these 28 days to create positive change in the community—by coming together as a community.

Be sure to check out CEO John Van Cleef's blog post this month, in which he reflects on Black History Month, Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month, and more.

Also, take a look below for ways you can get involved and make an impact in the coming months!

Gratefully,

Sara Rosenbaum, CVA

CRC Volunteer Manager

Healthy Teen Relationships

Signs of Support

CRC's Youth Advisory Board met on the last day of January to learn more about February's Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month. Staff member Veronica Lopez provided a training on boundaries and the value they bring to creating healthy relationships. We asked the students what they thought was important for a healthy relationship and to write their responses down on paper. Healthy relationship habits can start young! See below for what they shared.

Additionally, our Board of Directors held signs at their February meeting, showing support for healthy teen relationships. Thank you!

February News

Inquire Here for Group Opportunities!

We're Glad You Asked...

It seems as though we are always asking CRC supporters to wear either orange or purple. And, that might be partly true!

As service providers to those directly experiencing hunger and domestic violence in relationships, CRC's programs have adopted three federally recognized advocacy months to promote.

Below is a color chart outlining the three months and the corresponding colors. You can wear orange in September or February as a way to advocate and wear purple in October. There are many ways to communicate compassion, and wearing orange or purple is an easy way to do so!

Volunteer of the Month

Congratulations to CRC's Volunteer of the Month, Michael Wilson!

Earlier this month, we sent out a call for support for our Fundraising Auction Committee and Food Rescue Program. Michael responded immediately and offered to help with both!

Paulette Rosarie Khoury, co-chair of the CRC Tea and coordinator of auction fundraising outreach, shares, “Working alongside him is a true privilege and I couldn’t be prouder to share in his dedication and spirit!”

Michael is one of many volunteers who may not be able to volunteer daily but always jump in when needed. He has already been instrumental in securing multiple auction item donations, and in just a few weeks, he’s become a valuable part of our Food Rescue team. Thank you, Michael, for your dedication and support!

Get Involved

CRC Tea

Calling event volunteers! We are currently looking for volunteers to make our 30th Anniversary CRC Tea fundraiser a fun and successful afternoon. Interested? Email us here!

There are many ways to be part of our 30th Anniversary CRC Tea celebration—join us for the event on Saturday, April 5 (tickets available until March 19), make a gift in honor of 30 years, explore our upcoming online silent auction or consider becoming an annual partner.

Check Out the Tea!

Support our Food Rescue Team

Join our Food Rescue Team! We're looking for volunteers to assist with truck food pick-ups and deliveries, with monthly, weekly or on-call substitute opportunities. This early morning role involves some lifting (a great way to get your exercise!) and is a rewarding way to support our mission. To learn more, let us know!

Group Opportunities

Are you part of a group of 5-15 looking for a way to partner in CRC's mission? There are currently Food Pantry and Resale Store group opportunities available on some late afternoons and weekends. Tasks may include deep cleaning, sorting, or stocking items. A clean Food Pantry provides a more dignified shopping experience for our clients. And a clean store means happy customers! To learn more, contact the CRC Volunteer Manager.

Learn More from the CRC Newsletters!

This newsletter primarily highlights the work that our volunteers are doing and provides training and updates that apply to the volunteering experience. The CRC newsletters focus on client stories, CRC in the news, mission updates, and fundraising opportunities. If you would like to receive that newsletter, you can sign up for it here.

You can also check out the most current newsletter, full of great information, below!

February CRC News

February CRC Impact

What's Your Story?

If you have a good story of volunteering, please share with me at volunteer@crcncc.org. I can include those stories in future newsletters as an encouragement to our team.

Help a Neighbor in Need

If you know of anyone in need of food, housing or shelter, please pass along this link to information on how we can help: Get H elp - Community Resource Center (crcncc.org)

Community Resource Center

(760) 230-6501| info@crcncc.org | CRCNCC.org