"If your world is the world, and you experience an adversity, no matter how big, it is a speed bump.  If your world is you, and you experience an adversity, no matter how small, it is a catastrophe." (Shatte)

Please look for this section every month where we will spotlight ideas for cummunity involvement in which your family can participate.  For more information regarding volunteer opportunities, please visit the Valley Oaks website, see the Acorn, or ask your resource teacher.

These opportunities will fulfill your personal development goals.

September Focus

Kern County Veterans Services Department

Kern County Veterans Services Department
Contact Person:  Charles Bikakis/Director
(661) 868-7300
*Veterans Pantry always welcomes donations

California Veterans Assistance Foundation
Contact Person:  Debbie Johnson/Director
* Possible Donations:  food, cards from children
New: underclothes, socks, t-shirts
Used: stocking caps, gloves, jackets, jeans, shirts
Homeless Veterans "Stand Down"
Oct. 13, 2011 at Stramler Park

October Focus

FLOOD

Service to the homeless in Bakersfield
Contact Person: Lisa Morelock – Phone # (661) 323-5663
Office Address:  3509 Union Avenue.  Bakersfield, CA  93301
Ways to help:
- Shoe Project in October 2011
- Peanut butter donations
- Saturday night volunteer every 4th Saturday of the month

November Focus

Tehachapi  Salvation Army

213 East "E" St.  661/823-9508
Contact Person:  Marget Willer

Back-to-School Volunteer Activities- Help Sort and Distribute Clothes
Food Program-Help Distribute Food on Weekdays
Donate Needed Items
Holiday Activities-Help Distribute  Needed Items

December Focus

Spread Holiday Cheer Through Music!

Valley Oaks students will sing and play chimes during the holiday season at
Life House Nursing Home, 730 34th Street in Bakersfield
– See Mrs. Robinson

Lamplight Tour at Kern County Museum - See Mrs. Robinson

Holiday Concert open to the community in Tehachapi - See Mrs. Hayes

January Focus

Golden Empire Gleaners
1326  30th St. Bakersfield, Ca. 93301 Phone # 324-2767
Website: www.goldenempiregleaners.com

Ways to help:
Donations of food and money
Volunteers to take pack orders
 Food sorters
Many other needs as well

February Focus

Bakersfield Ronald McDonald House

@ Memorial Hospital  327-4647 x4290
Contact Person: Sabrina Stolting
BakersfieldRMH.org

Collect tabs off of soda & soup cans
Volunteer at RMH
Donate needed items

March Focus

Helping the animals of Kern County

*Volunteer your time*Donations of Pet Food & Money
* Foster Cats and Dogs * Fundraising * Be a Responsible Pet Owner

Tehachapi Humane Society (661) 823-0699
Marley’s Mutts Dog Rescue (602) 350-0335
SPCA of Bakersfield (661) 323-8353