The Local and Global Concerns Focus Group has part of the bulletin board in the Parlor on which to post information about organizations and groups that are addressing various needs in our community and worldwide.  We are all bombarded with stories of big and little disasters and sometimes would like to help but are uncertain about how to do so.  It is our intent to post ways for you to consider charitable giving.

The Local and Global Concerns Focus Group promotes six different organizations primarily to acquaint the congregation with their work but also to give them support. They are as follows:

UNICEF--The U.S. fund for UNICEF contributes to the work of the United Nations in behalf of the health, education, equality, and protection of children throughout the world. More information is available at www.unicefusa.org or at 1-800-4UNICEF

HEIFER--enabling poor people from all over the world to feed themselves and develop incomes by giving them animals, teaching them how to care for them and to "pass on the gift" by giving the first offspring of their animal to a neighbor who is then taught to care for it and "pass on the gift." www.heifer.org or (800) 422-0474

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY (East Bay) - -sells houses to partner families at no profit, through no- interest mortgages.  The family invests hundreds of "sweat equity" labor hours into the construction of their house. Partner families have been living in unhealthy and dangerous situations. www.eastbayhabitat.org or (510) 251-6304

COASTAL CLEAN UP -- cleaning up debris from community shorelines. Our volunteers worked at the Berkeley marina picking up trash but also helping collect data about it that is added to that from all over the world on that day. Information is available from the Ocean Conservancy. www.oceanconservancy.org or locally at (510) 644-8623

WOMEN'S DAYTIME DROP IN CENTER -- provides a safe daytime refuge for women and children where they receive support, nourishing meals, and access to community resources to overcome homelessness and regain self-sufficiency. Located on Acton Street, it is the first daytime program for women and children in Berkeley. (510) 548-2884  (office phone) or (510) 548-6933 (client phone)

ALAMEDA COUNTY COMMUNITY FOOD BANK--provides food to people in need in Alameda County, educates the public about hunger, and promotes public policies addressing hunger and its root causes. Northbrae volunteers have helped to pack food boxes at the food bank and collect donations of food at the church. www.accfb.org or (510) 834-3663, ext. 328

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