Shop local. Our local small businesses contribute to Alameda’s unique and charming character. We are fortunate to have not one, but two, downtown business districts — Webster Street and Park Street — and a host of independent businesses located across the island. But today’s small businesses face many challenges, from tariffs and economic uncertainty to finding workers and competing with online retailers. They need your support. So, this holiday season (and the rest of the year, too!), explore the many retail opportunities our island offers, and grab a coffee/snack/meal along the way. Invest in your community!
Donate your money/time/talent. The following local organizations would welcome your help with their important missions:
The Warming Shelter. This winter, the Parish Hall at Christ Episcopal Church (1700 Santa Clara Avenue) will again be the primary location of the Warming Shelter, providing unhoused individuals a warm, dry place to sleep, dinner and breakfast prepared by community volunteers, and laundry and shower facilities. This year, a caseworker will also be present to help connect guests with resources, including help finding secure housing, healthcare, transportation, and other social services to help them get back on their feet. The Warming Shelter will be open from the evening of December 3 through the morning of May 1.
Funding to operate the Warming Shelter is provided by the City of Alameda, Christ Episcopal Church members, and community donations. Volunteers are needed to provide hot dinners and bag breakfasts. To volunteer and/or donate, visit the Christ Episcopal Church Warming Shelter website and select “Homeless Ministries.”
Since 1973, Alameda Meals on Wheels (AMOW) volunteers have delivered hot, nourishing meals to homebound Alameda residents seven days a week, 365 days a year. Today, more than 200 Alamedans of all ages receive these meals for a variety of reasons, including recent surgery or hospitalization, or inability to shop for groceries or cook their own meals. Recipients pay on a sliding fee scale, based on financial ability.
Recently, AMOW has seen a significant increase in the cost of ingredients for the meals it delivers. To avoid increasing costs to recipients, AMOW would welcome monetary donations. Contributions can be made online at the Alameda Meals on Wheels website. AMOW also needs more volunteers. For more information, call 510-865-6131.
Alameda Family Services is a community-based organization that offers mental health assistance, including school-based services, early childhood education, family support, and crisis intervention to improve the emotional, psychological, and physical health of individuals of all ages, and families. Recently, funding for these important programs has been impacted by a reduction in federal government funding. Your donation can help bridge this funding gap. For more information, or to donate, visit the Donate — Alameda Family Services.
Finally, come join the fun at the annual Winter Lights Celebration in front of City Hall this Saturday, December 6, from 5 to 6 p.m. We’ll light the City Hall Holiday Tree, and enjoy performances by the Tap Dancing Christmas Trees, Alameda Community Band, Alameda Sings!, and more. I hope to see you there!
Be a local shopper. Give of yourself to help others. Be Alameda Strong!
Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft is the Mayor of the City of Alameda. Reach her at [email protected].
