Placer County Community Service & Support Digest

The nonprofit Tahoe Fund announced that five new members—Invited for their leadership in the corporate and nonprofit sectors—have joined its board.

After more than two decades of helping people as “Truckee Community Christmas,” a nonprofit organization is changing its name to Truckee Community Cares, which underlines its mission to help people of all faiths and beliefs.

The Sierra Fund’s Board of Directors has two new members, Martha Davis and Brian Wallace. Davis is a longtime Sierra enthusiast and leader; Wallace served as an elected official of the Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California.

Travel North Tahoe Nevada will once again celebrate the Fourth of July in 2023 with a drone show. Organizers are seeking business and individual financial support for the show.

Placer County became part of the new benefits platform that is gradually rolling out statewide: BenefitsCal.com. The new system allows community members to easily apply for, renew and access, ranging from food to healthcare to employment.

The Tahoe Fund announced the start of “Plates for Powder,” an annual program that offers free skiing opportunities to those who pay for a Lake Tahoe license plate.

Become a bona fide Tahoe/Truckee citizen by following the right social media accounts. Rachel Arst McCullough breaks down how to stay informed and connected locally without spending hours on social media.

Auburn is one step closer to having a new community meeting space, as the city and a newly formed nonprofit are in negotiations to rent the Carnegie Library property. The historic building has remained vacant since 2017 and is in need of repairs.

Placer Community Foundation has launched the Mosquito Fire Relief Fund to accept donations from those who wish to support local fire victims. Dollars raised by the fund will be mobilized at the earliest opportunity to meet the greatest needs.

The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency Governing Board has recognized seven projects and programs for exceptional environmental design and stewardship of Lake Tahoe.

For those living in wildfire-ravaged regions, help might be on the way. Covered California recently announced an application window for victims of wildfires, as well as those who live in fire-prone regions, to apply for assistance.

The town of Truckee plans to break ground on a new central library. But some locals are wondering what this will mean for branches in Kings Beach and Tahoe City. Placer and Nevada county officials are looking for solutions, with the intention to keep all three libraries open.

Mariam Ryder, a 15-year-old Loomis resident, started feeding the homeless at age 5. Ten years later, her nonprofit distributes 12,000 pounds of food each week.

In the 171-year history of the Placer County Sheriff's Office, hundreds of men and women have worn the uniform—and nine died in the line of duty. To remember those nine, the volunteer Placer County Sheriff’s Council raised money to have a statue erected.

After 16-year-old Scotty Lapp died tragically in a ski accident on Feb. 13, his idea of a local skateboard park began to take on momentum. Scotty’s mother has been working with a group of his North Tahoe High School friends to make the skateboard park a reality.

Since October, Rana Ghadban has implemented two initiatives to help local businesses in Roseville: the Nonprofit Roundtable and “Restaurant of the Week.”

Rev. Alex da Silva Souto has taken a fascinating global path to their new pastoral home. Born in a family that blended Catholic tradition with Afro-Brazilian faith practices, they received religious education from the Presbyterian Church and was re-baptized in the Baptist Church of Brazil.

Joyce Raley Teel, former majority owner of Raley’s and a Sacramento-area philanthropist, has died at 91. The only child of founder Thomas P. Raley, she used to work at the first store in Placerville.

Tens of thousands of Ukrainian immigrants call California home, and many of them are still processing the shock they’ve felt at the Russian invasion into Ukraine. For those hoping to help, these groups are providing aid to affected Ukranians.

Peggy Seitzinger, master of ceremonies and president elect for 2023, talked about change and adaptation during the Auburn Chamber of Commerce’s 117th annual Installation and Awards Dinner.

The Downtown Lincoln Association looks to the new year as an opportunity to further the organization and improve service for the Lincoln community, according to association President Mitzi De La Cruz.

The Lincoln Area Chamber of Commerce is in the process of rebranding with a new logo. According to Chamber CEO Tom Indrieri, the new logo ties back to Lincoln’s history as a railroad terminal.

In partnership with the Auburn Aviation Association, Auburn Chapter 526 of the Experimental Aircraft Association has announced its scholarship program for EAA Air Academy in 2022.

Merryhill Elementary students donated more than 160 items to the Placer SPCA following a pet supply drive organized by its student council.

Each year, United Way helps families earning less than $60,000 per year file taxes for free. The group is looking for volunteers to help prep these tax forms.

Clean Up the Lake has now scoured 44 miles of Lake Tahoe’s shoreline, meaning that the cleanup project is at 60 percent completion.

PRIDE Industries has made a difference in the local community, currently employing more than 5,000 individuals and planning expansion and an even bigger reach.

Big Brothers Big Sisters Northern Sierra and Sacramento agencies raised nearly $40,000 with a fundraiser that featured donors rappelling down the side of the Residence Inn by Marriott.

The Auburn Chamber of Commerce presents the annual State of the Community awards Sept. 30, honoring those who go above and beyond for the city.

Education leaders have launched CA Kids Fire Relief, a two-week, statewide effort encouraging students and school communities across California to provide financial and emotional support to students, families and schools impacted by catastrophic wildfires.

Toni Brown, a disc golfer from Rocklin, had two finishes in the Top 10 in 2021 tournaments. But her real passion is the Driving Thyroid Awareness campaign she began in 2018 to help people learn about thyroid cancer.

September is Hunger Action Month, a national event established by Feeding America in 2008. This September, Auburn Interfaith Food Closet is offering a variety of ways for individuals to get involved.