Spring break is usually associated with traveling and having fun. Well, a group of college students took that concept to a whole another level. Twenty-five students from the Energy Service Corps spent their time off to help weatherize different facilities throughout the state of California. The latest was a stop at The Salvation Army Center of Hope shelter in downtown Sacramento on March 25. “We decided to come here because they (Salvation Army) have done so much for the community,” said Abbygail Williams, Energy Service Corps member and UC Davis student. “The students just wanted to give them back something in return.” This weatherization event was part of the Energy Alternative Sprin

Looking for designer clothes at warehouse prices? Sound too good to be true? That’s what the Maryhouse staffers thought also when they first heard they would be hosting a designer warehouse sale to benefit their charity. The fundraiser will be held Friday and Saturday on the 25th floor of the U.S. Bank building at 621 Capitol Mall. The space has yet to be rented and was offered to them to hold the event. “This is a huge, unusual opportunity that came our way,” said Connie Frank, Maryhouse co-director. “We’re used to doing other smaller fundraisers, but this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.” The opportunity came along in September when a benefactor, who wishes to remain anonymous, cl

The Bosom Buddy Bra Recyclers are giving bras a second home. Founded in October 2008, the organization collects used bras from women around the world to donate to homeless shelters and transition houses. If the bras can't be used, they're recycled and given a new life in a different form. The idea for the project came when Elaine Birks-Mitchell was talking to a friend who worked at a shelter. As they talked about what the women needed, the subject of bras came up. "They never get enough," Birks-Mitchell said. "People don't think to donate bras." Birks-Mitchell said the response to Bosom Buddy has been unbelievable. The project has received 20,000 bras in the first quarter of 2010 alone.

Though homelessness is not a new problem, the number of homeless people in Sacramento has increased over the last few years because of the state's budget crisis and cuts to federal programs. On June 30, hundreds of county shelter beds became unavailable, forcing more homeless onto Sacramento streets. In answer to the shortfall, Safe Ground Sacramento was inaugurated on July 1. Organized by community members, nonprofits and businesses, Safe Ground seeks to provide the homeless with a safe place to be. Hundreds gathered that day for a rally and march to kick off the movement. Among them was Jacoby Shaddix, the formerly homeless lead singer of local band Papa Roach. The city of Sacramento e