As we see the needs for emergency assistance rise in these challenging economic times, it is heartening to know that someone is hearing those cries for help and is taking action.

The El Dorado Community Foundation, through the generosity of several anonymous donors, has created the Crisis Angel Network Fund. When a request for funding came through to the Foundation that they were not able to fulfill, one of the Foundation’s donors stepped forward and requested that that grant be made from their existing fund. After that first chance grant, Acting Director, Bill Roby sat down with the donor and talked about their vision of giving through the El Dorado Community Foundation. They were clear about wanting to give a hand up to people in crisis situations in order to get them back on their feet. Mr. Roby assured them that the Foundation could help them with that wish, and the Crisis Angel Network was born.

Soon, as the story of the Network was told, other donors were inspired, community non-profit requests began to reach the Foundation, and the work of the “angels” began. There has been a wide range of requests, from a sofa for a nearly-empty apartment of a single mom, to rent to get through the slow starting winter tourist season for a young family, to help with a tank of propane to get through the coldest spells of winter.

One of the most heartwarming thank-you’s came after the Network was able to assist one young family with day care costs as they faced a life-threatening illness as well as a job lay-off. The supporting non-profit wrote, “Your generosity has made a difference for this family, helping them to cope with these devastating events in their lives. Please forward this letter to the donors so they will know how truly blessed we all are because of their kindness.” Bill Roby said, “The Crisis Angel Network is the kind of work that helps all of us; the giver and the receiver. We have a new motto at the Foundation that says, ‘Change a life, beginning with your own’ because we see the impact from the donor’s perspective and the recipient’s, and it is a total win-win situation.” The Foundation sees these needs of our friends and neighbors increasing across-the-board, from the very young to the families, to the older adults. They know that non-profits are facing some of the most challenging times of their existence, and are honored to work with the community while partnering together to affect positive change in the lives of its own residents.

We invite you and your friends to participate in this most worthwhile, timely fund. Gifts of any size can be sent to the El Dorado Community Foundation. 3097 Cedar Ravine, Placerville, CA 95667. Non-profit organizations can request grant forms from the Foundation by calling 530-622-5621.