A time for giving

The Sacramento region has a well-deserved reputation for grassroots generosity. The annual Big Day of Giving hit another record in May—nearly $8.4 million for 600 nonprofits from more than 23,000 donors.

The holidays are a season for giving. So with a helping hand from the Sacramento Region Community Foundation, which runs Big Day of Giving, here are some lesser-known, but high-impact, charities and nonprofits that could use your help:

Center for Land-Based Learning: Educates and cultivates future generations of farmers, agricultural leaders and natural resource stewards.

Community Against Sexual Harm: Assists women who have been commercially sexually exploited with survivor-led peer support.

Girls on the Run of Greater Sacramento: Inspires girls to be joyful, healthy and confident using a curriculum that integrates running.

Performing Animal Welfare Society: Protects performing animals; provides sanctuary to abused, abandoned and retired animals; and enforces standards of care.

River City Food Bank: Provides healthy emergency food and other assistance as Sacramento’s oldest food bank.

Society For The Blind: Empowers individuals with low vision or blindness to develop their full potential.

Stanford Youth Solutions: Promotes change for young people and their families by empowering them to solve serious challenges together.

Women’s Empowerment: Educates and empowers homeless women to get a job, create a healthy lifestyle and regain a home.

Yisrael Family Farm: Uses urban agriculture to empower, engage and employ neighborhoods.