The Save Mart Companies’ C.A.R.E.S. Foundation is ending 2019 by awarding twelve organizations throughout California and Northern Nevada with over $60,000 in grants for Q4, all in communities our stores serve.

Second Harvest Food Bank of San Joaquin & Stanislaus Counties – $7,000

Since 1976, Second Harvest Food Bank of San Joaquin & Stanislaus Counties has been committed to fighting hunger by providing and distributing food to those in need and feeding hope by recognizing the diversity of those they serve and treating each individual with dignity and respect. Second Harvest Food Bank has received similar C.A.R.E.S. Foundation grants in the past and this year’s $7,000 will go towards funding their Mobile Fresh Program. The Mobile Fresh Program provides direct food assistance to low-income communities throughout San Joaquin and Stanislaus counties.

Junior Achievement of Northern California – $3,000

Junior Achievement of Northern California aims to inspire and prepare young people to succeed in a global economy by becoming financially literate, workforce ready and armed with an entrepreneurial mindset. Junior Achievement is a first time C.A.R.E.S. Foundation grant recipient and allocated funds will go towards the Junior Achievement’s Modesto Youth Economic Empowerment Program that will help delivery three financial literacy and workforce educational programs to up to 100 youth at Burbank Elementary School in Modesto for the 2019-2020 program year.

Weston Ranch High School Baseball – $3,500

The Weston Ranch High School Baseball program helps provide students with the opportunity to participate in interscholastic athletics, become part of a group of individuals that are striving to better themselves and represent their community in a positive manner. The program has received similar C.A.R.E.S. Foundation grants in the past and this year’s funds will go towards supporting the purchase of new uniforms, baseballs, field equipment and improvements.

Stockton Unified School District – $2,000

Stockton Unified School District (SUSD) is committed to providing their students with a world-class education. SUSD aims to provide every student with high-quality instruction, a well-rounded educational experience, and the support necessary to succeed both in the classroom and in the community. SUSD has received similar C.A.R.E.S. Foundation grants in 2016 and 2018. This year’s grants will go towards funding the Care Closet for Student Success program that provides clothing and other items to children in need to reduce chronic absenteeism and improve academic and developmental outcomes.

Sacramento Zoo – $8,300

The Sacramento Zoo aims to inspire appreciation, respect and a connection with wildlife and nature through education, recreation and conservation. The Sacramento Zoo is a first time recipient of a C.A.R.E.S. Foundation grant and this $8,300 grant will go towards supporting the Science Education Scholarships that help provide low-income children the opportunity to attend the zoo’s seasonal camps.

YoloArts – $1,500

YoloArts is the central arts organization serving the County of Yolo. The organization provides the community with resources and access to the creation, exhibition and preservation of the diverse arts and culture of the region. YoloaArts is a first time C.A.R.E.S. Foundation grant recipient and this $1,500 grant will go towards supporting their Seeding Art for Change program that will help send two sixth grade classrooms on a field trip to a local organic farm.

Junction Elementary School PTC – $1,000

Junction Elementary School PTC is dedicated to enriching the lives of their students, teachers and community members of Junction Elementary School through providing experiencing, assemblies, materials and technology to support the love of learning for all students. Junction Elementary PTC is a first time recipient of a C.A.R.E.S. Foundation grant and funds will go towards supporting their school-wide assemblies for the 2019-2020 school year.

Boys and Girls Clubs of El Dorado County- Western Slope – $5,000

The Boys and Girls Clubs of El Dorado County- Western Slop enables all young people to reach their full potential as productive, caring and responsible citizens in El Dorado County through programs and services. As a first time recipient of a C.A.R.E.S. Foundation grant, the Boys and Girls Clubs will use funds to support their Hero’s Night 2020, which will support kids in El Dorado County to grow their academic success, good character, citizenship, and live a healthier lifestyle.

Fresno Chaffee Zoo – $10,000

The Fresno Chaffee Zoo is dedicated to inspiring wonder of our natural world, provides an engaging learning environment, and helps create a passion for wildlife conservation. Fresno Chaffee Zoo is a first time recipient of a C.A.R.E.S. Foundation grant and this year fund will go towards supporting their ZooLights program that transforms the entire zoo into a winter wonderland, fully decorated and strung with miles of holiday lights.

Central California Food Bank – $10,000

The Central California Food Bank is committed to ending hungry in Madera, Tulare and Kings Counties by gathering and distributing food, engaging in partnerships that enhance self-sufficiency and providing community leadership on issues related to hunger. This $5,000 grant will go towards funding the Holiday Meal Box Program that helps provide food security to children, youth and seniors during one of the most financially challenging times of the year. Families struggling with food hardship are provided with a box containing food needed to prepare a complete holiday meal for the entire family. The C.A.R.E.S. Foundation has awarded the food bank a similar grant back in 2017.

Mollies House – $10,000

Mollie’s House is a safe haven for young girls who have been victims of human trafficking and provides mental health services, family support and reunification, medical and nutritional care and recreational programming.  Mollie’s House is one of nine residential programs for human trafficking victims available in California and the only one located in the Central Valley. This is the second C.A.R.E.S. Foundation grant Mollie’s House has received and will go towards supporting the Fresh Start for Surviving Youth program.

Hercules Community Library Foundation, Inc. – $3,000

The Hercules Community Library Foundation was established in 2004 to raise funds for the initial construction of the Hercules Library, which opened in November 2006, and now helps fundraise for the library’s programs and services. Hercules Community Library Foundation is a first time C.A.R.E.S. Foundation grant recipient. This $3,000 grant will go towards funding the Inclusive Early Literacy Space in the Hercules Public Library that aims to provide a safe learning space to explore academics and creativity for younger children of all abilities and needs.

The Save Mart Companies C.A.R.E.S. Foundation donated over $450,000 in 2019 to over five dozen local organizations throughout California and Northern Nevada. C.A.R.E.S. stands for Community, Arts, Recreation, Education and Sports and focuses on improving lives under these categories. For more information, please visit www.SaveMart.com, under the Community tab.