December 9, 2004

Almaden Valley Singles (lt. to rt.) Don Butler, Marion Hill, Mary Ann Bryan and Dee Chase pose with Christmas cheer as they headed for the Oliveras-Sanchez residence in Berryessa.

Volunteers of the Week: Almaden Valley Singles
                
Members of the Almaden Valley Singles worked diligently over several months and pooled their resources to give a needy family of eight a Christmas to remember. Their efforts culminated in a delivery of gifts on Monday to the family who lives in the Berryessa area of San Jose.

For the sixth year, AVS—with qualifying members’ requiring forty years life experience and either bachelor/ette, divorced or widow/er status—has adopted a family for the holidays. Working with a local branch of Habitat for Humanity, AVS sponsors a spirited Christmas celebration otherwise unlikely for the benefiting household.

“We have had some wonderful families,” said former AVS President Judi Sarner, who left the group in 2003 after moving to Folsom. “Usually the families have many kids, are busy working very hard to make ends meet and truly deserve some recognition and support.”

The recipients this season, Israel and Barbara Oliveras-Sanchez, have six children and work long hours. Struggling to make ends meet on a monthly basis leaves little money left over to celebrate Christmas.
Enter AVS.

“I feel that everyone involved in the project will have a wonderful feeling in their heart this Christmas,” said Co-Chair Marion Hill. “Hopefully we helped a beautiful family have a nice Christmas. This is the time for giving. All of us in Almaden Singles are so fortunate that we have what we have and to share with others. That’s what it’s all about.”

On Monday afternoon, AVS pillars Hill, Vice President Mary Ann Bryan, Co-Chair Dee Chase and able member Dan Butler delivered a truckload of gifts to the Oliveras-Sanchez residence.

“The neat thing is that what they got is exactly what they wanted,” said Co-Chair Chase. “We went out and bought the same items we were provided with on the wish list.”

“I am so grateful for what they are doing,” said Barbara Oliveras-Sanchez in response to the Singles’ generosity.
The group spent Sunday preparing for the drop, wrapping presents and socializing. By Monday afternoon, Mr. Butler’s truck was overflowing with packages and a Christmas tree prepped for decor.

Finally, Ms. Chase and Mr. Butler will return three days before Christmas to deliver a meal, meeting the family’s specific requests and rewarding them for hard work and effort throughout the year.

Additional AVS programs include the Parma Park and Jake’s Playground clean-ups, watering the Butterfly Garden and supporting homebound seniors in Almaden. In addition, members meet intermittently participating in card games, potlucks, talk groups, tours, boat rides, movies and plays, amongst other things.

Founder Regina Scala, developed AVS as part of a school project in 1994. Her assignment: design something that would benefit the community and last after she’d gone: a legacy.

“Obviously, it worked,” said Bryan.

“I personally got so much from the AVS,” finished Sarner, who served as president for four years before her departure in ’03. “I grew as a person knowing that a lot of people had a place to go, things to do and they were giving back to their community. Plus, we have tons of fun!”

—By Justin Petersen