East County News Service

January 9, 2018 (La Mesa) – The Grossmont Healthcare District (GHD) is seeking nominees for its 2018 Healthcare Heroes Awards. Now in its 12th year, the Healthcare Heroes is GHD’s annual awards program recognizing volunteers who advance the delivery of quality health services in the East County region.

East County News Service

January 3, 2018 (San Diego) -- St. Madeleine Sophie’s Center (SMSC) in El Cajon will partner with The Marine Room to host Tea by the Sea on Saturday, January 20, 2018 from 11:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Tea by the Sea will feature complimentary champagne and a signature cocktail, hors d’oeuvres, a silent auction, live music and a visit from The Marine Room’s Executive Chef Bernard. The imaginative cuisine is more than matched by the up-close view of the surf.

By Jonathan Goetz

Photo: License to Freedom's Executive Director Dilkhwaz Ahmed and Pacific Consulting Group's Pavel Consuegra serve up a meal for the homeless and El Cajon’s Mayor

December 30, 2017 (El Cajon) – Local immigrants and refugees are giving back to the community, serving up dinner to the homeless with License to Freedom at Meridian Baptist Church in El Cajon.

License to Freedom members have been helping the homeless for two years, including an event held on December 27^th, two days after Christmas. The events will continue in 2018.  Meridian Baptist feeds the homeless every Wednesday night and License to Freedom hosts the 4th Wednesday of each month.

By Miriam Raftery

Photo by Paul Kruze:  Pastor Harold Brown and San Miguel Firefighters helped brighten holiday spirits for homeless children

December 18, 2017 (El Cajon) – Over 150 homeless children living at East County Transitional Living Center received gifts of clothing, athletic shoes, and a good dose of Christmas joy at the fifth annual Christmas Party last Saturday in ECTLC's community hall.

Adoption fees are being waived for all animals, courtesy of generous donors’ gift

December 13, 2017 (San Diego) - Hundreds of homeless animals are at San Diego Humane Society in need of homes, so pet adoption fees are being waived for all animals from Dec. 15 through 24 at all campuses and satellite adoption centers. For the 10 days before Christmas, all animal adoptions are sponsored by Sharon Blanchet of ABC Family Law and Phil and Pam Reed, Reed Team at Willis Allen Real Estate in La Jolla.

Source: County of San Diego

Photo: San Diego Fire Department

December 8, 2017 (San Diego) -- If you are looking to help those affected by the Lilac Fire, a great way to do so is to send a monetary donation to a nonprofit organization. No donation is too small. 

East County News Service

December 2, 2017 (El Cajon) - You've kicked off the season with the Mother Goose Parade. Now it's time for another El Cajon tradition: the Salvation Army Fire Truck Toy Parade.  The Salvation Army partners with the Fire Department, KOGO 600 News Radio, Stoney's Kids Legacy and Target on Saturday, December 9.  The festivities start at 9 a.m. at the Target parking lot at 250 Broadway, where KOGO will start broadcasting live at 9 a.m. and will be interviewing groups and organizations participating in donations.  The parade rolls out at 11 a.m.  A few local celebrities will attend - Bonnie, daughter of Stoney Stone, founder of the East County Toy and Food Drive, is planning to be there and it's even rumored that Santa will make an appearance.  For more information, contact Cpt. Sean Kelsey at 619-440-4683 ext. 402.

By Miriam Raftery

November 29, 2017 (Alpine) - Lions, Tigers and Bears, an exotic animal sanctuary in Alpine, has completed a new multi-acre habitat with creature comforts including a large pond, a waterfall, climbing platforms, natural terrain and large trees.

East County News Service

Photo:  John O'Hanian, 2-1-1 San Diego

November 20, 2017 (San Diego) -- 2-1-1 San Diego, an independent local nonprofit that serves as a resource and information hub connecting more than 200,000 people annually to more than 6,000 community, health and disaster support services, has announced it will seek donations from the public for its food assistance program as part of the annual “Giving Tuesday,” a global day of giving to be held this year on Nov. 28.

By Tom Christensen, County of San Diego Communications Office

November 9, 2017 (San Diego's East County) - It’s that familiar time of the year when families and friends start making plans to gather for holiday dinners and parties teeming with cookies, pies and other treats.

East County News Service

 

November 7, 2017 (La Mesa) -- The Grossmont Healthcare District (GHD) is continuing its support of ElderHelp of San Diego, a nonprofit health agency that offers social services to more than 7,000 seniors annually. The GHD board recently approved a $45,000 grant for ElderHelp’s Care Coordination, a program that delivers a variety of care management services, including health advocacy, escorted transportation to medical appointments, home safety inspections and repairs.

By Valerie Watts

November 3, 2017 (El Cajon) -- St. Madeleine Sophie's Center invites golfers to "Swing with Santa" at the Sycuan Resort Friday, November 17.  The event begins with check in at 9:30 a.m., followed by a shotgun start at 11:00 a.m.  Lunch is included and the day is topped off with a reception starting at 3:30 p.m.  Golfers will enjoy a day on the Pine Glen Par 3 executive course, bid on silent auction items and have a great time all while supporting the good work of St. Madeleine Sophie's Center.

East County News Service

October 25, 2017 (El Cajon) -- Waste Management of San Diego and the Mother Goose Parade Association announce launch of a non-perishable food drive benefiting the East County Transitional Living Center, which provides housing to help the homeless and others in need. The drive will run through November 15 with local businesses serving as drop off sites and will culminate with food being collected in Waste Management Bagster® bags at the Mother Goose Parade on Nov. 19.

By Miriam Raftery

October 23, 2017 (City Heights) -- Somali Family Services and Islamic Relief will host the fourth annual Day of Dignity Community Resource Fair on November 4^th from 12-4 p.m. at the Officer Jeremy Henwood Memorial Park (3795 Fairmount Ave, San Diego).

East County News Service

October 16, 2017 (La Mesa) – Summit Transmissions, 7633 El Cajon Blvd. in La Mesa, has announced it is donating 10 percent from its sales on brake work performed in October to Brakes for Breasts (www.brakesforbreasts.org), a fundraising effort for a vaccine to prevent breast cancer. In addition, Jerry Kubitsky, owner, Summit Transmissions, said he is providing free brake pads, a $109 value, to every customer needing new brakes.