2021 Mary Hammer Green Heart Award Recipient is Volunteer Turned Advocate

Felton, CA  —  Mountain Community Resources (MCR), one of Community Bridges’ Family Resource Centers, is excited to announce the recipient of the Mary Hammer Green Heart Award as part of the 35th annual Mountain Affair.  This award is presented annually at the event, a fundraiser for MCR programs to be held on October 29 at the Ristorante Casa Nostra in Ben Lomond.

The 2021 recipient is Suzie Schwilk a volunteer throughout 2020 who became a Family Resource Center advocate this year. Schwilk is receiving the recognition for her past and ongoing volunteer work in support of the Mountain Community Resource Center food pantry distribution program and in office support.

“Suzie was a clinch hitter when we were down staff the last few months and she has stepped up to the bat literally with both hands and feet,” said Cori Burt, MCR adovcate as part of her nomination in support of Schwilk.

“Bringing the food distribution to life is a labor of love that requires significant behind-the-scenes logistical coordination and dedication,” said Raymon Cancino, Community Bridges’ CEO. “Nonprofits thrive when volunteers can fill the labor gap to support these community services.”

Named for Mountain Community Resource’s founder, the Mary Hammer Green Heart Award honors those who exemplify the founding legacy of the resource center and go above and beyond to serve the community.

In addition to raising funds for the food pantry, the Mountain Affair provides funding for MCR programs including ongoing CZU fire family support, parenting classes, health care enrollment, health screenings and more. Auction items can be viewed at www.communitybridges.org/events. The event is sold out but those who would like to support MCR may purchase a meal for takeout from the restaurant the night of the event. A portion of the proceeds from takeout sales will be donated to MCR.

Event information:Mountain AffairOctober 29, 2021, 6-10 PMRistorante Casa Nostra, Ben Lomond

www.communitybridges.org/events

 ABOUT COMMUNITY BRIDGES

Community Bridges envisions a thriving community where every person has the opportunity to unleash their full potential. Together, our family of programs delivers essential services, provides equitable access to resources, and advocates for health and dignity across every stage of life. To learn more, please visit www.communitybridges.org.

The Community Bridges family of programs includes the Child & Adult Care Food Program, Child Development Division, Women, Infants and Children (WIC), La Manzana Community Resources, Live Oak Community Resources, Mountain Community Resources, Nueva Vista Community Resources, Elderday Adult Day Health Care, Lift Line and Meals on Wheels for Santa Cruz County.

The deadline is almost here.Make sure you file your taxes and claim the credits you’ve earned. Free, trusted support is still available to help you through the process.At Community Bridges, we’re committed to making sure everyone has access to the resources they deserve—on time and with dignity.Find help today: communitybridges.org/frc ... See MoreSee Less
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Community Bridges / Puentes De La Comunidad
This Volunteer Month, we’re celebrating the compassion, connection, and care our volunteers bring across our programs. 💚This week, we’re proud to spotlight the Pantry Posse at Mountain Community Resources that creates meaningful moments of care and connection every day.Recently, a food pantry participant who had just lost their partner returned to one of our Family Resource Centers. Our volunteers had come together to send a condolence card, and he shared how deeply moved he was, saying he had no idea the volunteers cared so much.Moments like this show that the impact of volunteering goes far beyond food.“As we know, many people feel invisible in society,” shared one Pantry Manager. “In addition to food, we offer connection and the recognition that each person deserves support, no matter their circumstances.”Every story is different, but they all share the same heart: showing up, caring deeply, and building community.Follow along this month as we highlight volunteers across our programs, and learn more about Mountain Community Resources at communitybridges.org/mcr or sign up to volunteer at communitybridges.org/volunteerThank you to all of our incredible volunteers. 💚 ... See MoreSee Less
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