Herstory of Giving

Like many others, I lost my job in the spring of 2020 when Covid-19 hit. After applying for unemployment I qualified to receive $66 per week to replace my part-time income. When I received my first stimulus check I was shocked to learn that I also qualified for an extra $600 in stimulus funds. That was nearly 10 times the amount I was entitled to. Although the extra $600 was to be used to stimulate the economy, I knew it had a better use than frivolous purchases.

In the past, my sister donated money she had raised through her mission-based company, LetHopeGrow.org to the charity Pandemic of Love. Pandemic of Love matches donors with families that are struggling to make ends meet due to Covid-19 based illnesses and job loss.

My donations grew through the Go Fund Me that I created – No One Should Go Hungry - and my donating efforts were shared through local Sacramento news sites, ABC 10 and CBS 13. Thousands of dollars were donated to help dozens of families with the basic necessities like food, and medicine; others needed help paying a utility bill to keep their lights on and the heater running.

In the Los Angeles area where I grew up, I’ve volunteered at the local food bank. In my college town of Sacramento, California, I have both donated funds to the Contra Costa & Solano Food Bank as well as volunteered. I also help distribute food for the local Meals on Wheels program located in West Sacramento.

While I plan to continue volunteering at local charitable organizations that address the devastating problem of food insecurity, I hope Hoops Fighting Hunger allows me to expand my charitable efforts and help thousands more in need.