The Chamber Adopts Two Families

Getting in the holiday spirit, the is adopting a local family and two young boys this year and collecting donations to support those that are down on their luck.

The Ferrari family is struggling after Paul Ferrari died of a sudden heart attack at the age of 39 on Oct. 28. Jennifer, 29, was left to raise their two young children -- Savannah, 22 months, and Mason, four months -- by herself. And with the economy, they were unable to hold onto their home.

The chamber is also accepting donations for two ten-year-old boys in the that they have adopted.

A few years ago, said San Anselmo Chamber President Connie Rodgers, they decided that instead of guests taking home raffle prizes at the annual holiday luncheon on Dec. 2, the chamber would make donations to local charities. For years, they donated to Nine Grove Lane -- Marin's only teen crisis center -- until it shut down. Last year, they took donations to the Ritter House. This year, they approached the Ross Valley School District and the Marin Mother's Club approached them with the idea of adopting local families and kids they need a boost this holiday season.

"It is so right, versus us taking home raffle prizes," said Rodgers.

Those wanting to help out should drop off or bring a donation to the chamber's holiday luncheon on Dec. 2 at the Seminary, Upper Alexander Hall, from noon to 2 p.m.

People with last names beginning with A-F, should bring a gift for 22-month-old Savannah. People with last names beginning with G-M, should bring a gift for four-month-old Mason. People with last names from L-Z, should bring a gift for one of two ten-year-old boys.

That's not the only way to get in the giving spirit this holiday season. There are a number of food drives going on around town. The big red cans are collecting donations for the Marin Food Bank. The one pictured at right is located in the San Anselmo Town Hall for people to drop off donations. A number of local churches are also collecting food and toys for the holidays.

And if you want to volunteer and get your hands dirty, head over to San Anselmo Town Hall on Dec. 4, where they need volunteers to help plant bulbs in the medians around town. Bring a shovel, gardening gloves, and water and meet in the town hall plaza at 10 a.m.

Add any other volunteers opportunities this holiday season to the events and announcements section or post them in the comments.