Become a Donor

Valley Churches United would not exist without the generosity of our donors. We accept no government funding; it is entirely through the continuing, strong support from our community --- individuals, businesses, churches, and organizations --- that we are able to provide critical services to our low-income neighbors.

Your generous tax-deductible donation is greatly appreciated and will help fund our many programs throughout the year. We manage our operation with only three employees, which keeps our overhead very low.

Valley Churches United is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, #77-0163322.

Simply click the “Donate” button link above and make your tax-deductible donation through our secure portal via PayPal. Thank you! We do not solicit by phone, nor do we sell or share our donor list.

Other Ways you can Donate

  • Make a direct credit card donation by calling 831-336-8258
  • Mail your check to Valley Churches United, Box 367, Ben Lomond, CA 95005
  • Include Valley Churches United in your estate planning
  • Donate through your place of business via a Company Matching Gift Program

Our Donors

Individual Donors

We have many individual donors who provide cash donations through our annual fundraisers. Donors also give generously to our Christmas project by purchasing gifts for local children or by “adopting” a family. In 2014, close to 600 children had their Christmas wishes fulfilled entirely by our local donors. Individual donors also contribute every year during our food drives. (You may have noticed VCUM food barrels and grocery bags at your favorite market.)

We live in an incredibly generous community and, even during economic down times, our neighbors continue to support Valley Churches.

Businesses and Organizations

We also rely a variety of local businesses and organizations for their support.

Safeway donates food daily to Valley Churches and many other businesses donate regularly as well, including:

  • Ben Lomond Market
  • Coffee 9
  • Felton Farmers' Market (seasonal)
  • Johnnies
  • New Leaf Markets
  • Santa Cruz Farmers' Market (year 'round)
Vcum Safeway Truck
Vcum Food Bags

Item donations come in as well from local schools, service clubs, churches, and youth groups.

Although we maintain a wide network for receiving food donations, the increasing demand on our services causes us to rely even more heavily on an active food donor base. If you are interested in coordinating a food drive on our behalf, please contact us.

Fundraisers

Because donations are our life-blood, we have several fundraisers/food-raisers each year.

  • Buck for Hunger --- a mail campaign asking for cash donations
  • Tasting Under the Redwoods --- our first large, public fundraiser featuring food tasting, wine, and beer from 25 local restaurants, ten wineries, and four breweries, plus live jazz and a silent auction
  • The Valley Christmas Project --- a call for cash donations, as well as an opportunity for donors to give directly to low-income families by purchasing gifts or store cards
  • The Annual Christmas Gala --- a holiday dinner and auction held at Scopazzi's every December
Vcum Christmas Gala
Vcum Holiday Boutique

The Holiday Boutique

Every year, a small group of dedicated volunteers set up our Christmas Boutique. The boutique offers a wide array of gift items at discounted prices --- serving the dual purpose of raising money for Valley Churches but also providing clients with an affordable shopping experience. The boutique is open 7 days a week, beginning on November 1 and remains open until Christmas Eve.

The boutique is staffed 100% by volunteers and all of the wonderful gift and household items sold have been donated by businesses such as Zinnia's in Scotts Valley, Mountain Feed and Farm Supply in Ben Lomond, and also by many caring individuals. Last year (2014), the boutique raised over $10,000. This year the boutique will have a Toy Land theme.