By Ana Facio Contreras
STAFF WRITER
Over the past two years, Montclair business owner Jeanette Patterson has read and heard about the decline in charitable donations. This year, she decided to do something about it -- locally. Patterson's business, Ps Home in Montclair, will contribute 10 percent of its Sunday sales for the month of January to the Oakland Firefighters Random Acts group. The donation to the firefighters' nonprofit organization is part of "Charity Sundays," which will support a new charity each month. Patterson said East Bay Habitat for Humanity will benefit from the program in February.
In past years, Patterson supported local charities but never on a monthly basis, she said. Like other businesses, she gets many requests for donations throughout the year. "I have been looking for a good way to help support the many organizations that are in need, particularly because of the downturn in contributions," said Patterson, who runs an interior design and home furnishings business. "It's a way to do good and, at the same time, help yourself."
In addition to donating money to local charities, the Montclair business also will promote its cause through publicity and outreach work. For instance, Patterson will hold a reception at the store to explain the charity's work with the public. The first reception will take place 2-3 p.m. Jan. 24, when the firefighters will give a presentation on their work.
Patterson said she chose the firefighter's charity because it is a relatively new nonprofit group. "It's not as well-known, and it seemed to be very broad based in its charitable activities," said Patterson who has been in business for more than six years, three of them in Montclair.
Cindy Chin, secretary and treasurer for the Firefighters Random Acts, said the group is honored to have been selected by Patterson. The organization was started more than three years ago by a group of firefighters who wanted to give something back to the community in which they worked everyday. Through the organization, firefighters can request funds and resources to create a "random act of kindness" for needy individuals and families they see in the community and on their emergency calls. Over the past three years, the group has helped pay funeral expenses for families of fire and accident victims, buy needed appliances for the elderly, replace stolen bikes for children and purchase computers for schools. The charity also has implemented the following programs: a reading program in which firefighters visit schools and read to children; a Citizen Hero program that recognizes Oakland residents who perform heroic deeds; and the Books and Balls program, which provides schools with books and playground equipment.
A complete list of charities to benefit from Patterson's program will be available next month. Many local non-profit charities are being considered, she said. For information on the "Charity Sundays, "call Ps Home at 510-338-0192; for information on Oakland Firefighters Random Acts, call 510-597-5034.
Reach Ana Facio Contreras at 510-339-4506 or acontreras@cctimes.com.