Bringing holiday spirit to the homeless

Christmas came early at The Haven, writes Kathy King, with the annual Secret Santa Holiday Party put on by Constance Grizzell, Patti England, and their merry band of volunteers. This is their 7th year pulling out all the stops to give gifts to those in need. It was a record year, with more than 230 people signed up for gifts.

Sonoma Overnight Support staff and volunteers were there to help, too, and it was a fantastic event that brightened everyone’s spirits, especially with smoked duck, roast beef, garlic mashed potatoes, fresh parsnips and carrots, cupcakes and brownies on the menu, courtesy of Chef Dan Kahn and his kitchen crew.

SOS held its own holiday party, handing out gift bags with food, candy, and McDonald’s gift cards to all who came on Wednesday.

In keeping with the holiday spirit, G3 Sonoma, Sonoma Valley High School Interact Club, Rotary Club Sonoma Valley, and Rotary Club Sonoma Sunrise sponsored a Holiday Coat Drive that was wildly successful. On Monday, Michelle Dale and Piper Abodeely of G3 Sonoma, with the help of J.J. Abodeely, distributed 200 coats and jackets to SOS clients at the Sonoma Springs Community! It was a kind and spectacular gesture that was much appreciated by the recipients.

Special thanks to David Bolling, editor and publisher of Valley of The Moon magazine, for showcasing the plight of the homeless and the difference SOS is making during an unprecedented hunger crisis. The December 2020 edition featured a two-page spread, “Homeless and Hungry,” with photos by SOS staffer, Francisco Kilgore, and a beautifully written article by David. SOS is also featured in the magazine’s Nonprofit Giving Guide. We are so grateful to be part of a community that supports the most vulnerable. Thank you, David, for being our champion.

Finally, the Sebastiani Theater sponsored an expertly produced holiday variety show, with featured guests from all around Sonoma. They included suggestions about making donations to SOS, FISH, and La Luz Center! Roger and Diana Rhoten put together an incredible show, and we encourage you to watch it. Click here to watch.

SOS is truly trying to bring compassion and kindness and mercy to those we are serving. In the words of Pope Francis, “A little bit of mercy makes the world less cold and more just.”

This is our last update of 2020, and we want you to know how much we have appreciated your undying support throughout this difficult year. It has meant the world to us and to those we strive to serve.

Let’s hope 2021 will bring good health and bright futures to us all. Happy New Year!