Some are behind the scenes and some are front and center, but every day of the year hundreds of Kinship Center volunteers of all ages support the mission and enrich programs across the state.

Shown at left, a Salinas-based auxiliary group (Kinship Support Unlimited!) assembled and donated more than 100 Easter baskets and practical gift bags this month for children and adults in Kinship Center’s relative caregiver program. This auxiliary, and a similar chapter in Orange County that is preparing for their upcoming “Teddy Bear Ride,” raise significant dollars for Kinship Center to use where the need is greatest.

The Kinship Center Hollister-based Gabilan Chapter has dedicated its support since the beginning with unique fundraisers that raise upwards of $50K each year for Kinship Center’s programs for children and families in San Benito County. Below, chapter members host an open house to help promote their signature annual Wine and Food Tasting (California’s oldest!), scheduled this year for September 10. Watch for details of this sellout, unique event.

Other men, women and children in Kinship Center communities step forward to host or help with events, assist at children’s camps and with other activities, mount food drives or collect new toys and clothing, provide clerical help, speak in the community, use their place of business to raise funds, donate dollars and needed services, and give their time in every possible way to make a difference.

Kinship Center’s 20-member volunteer Board of Directors is the centerpiece of dedicated volunteer service, bringing expert oversight to operations, raising major funds, and giving hundreds of hours each year to support and strengthen every aspect of the 27-year-old organization.

To each volunteer who turns caring into action and who helps provide new beginnings for children, Kinship Center gives a very big and very heartfelt “Thank you!”