A Brief History
The Carmel Valley Angel Project was founded by Carmel Valley resident Dorothy McEwen (former founder of Digital Research and former owner of The Holman Ranch) in about 1995. It was subsequently incorporated in 2001 under the name Carmel Valley Angel Project, Inc. as a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation, with Taxpayer Identification Number 91-2158732. The corporation is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors. The Carmel Valley Angel Project originally provided one program for the residents of Carmel Valley, called The Angel Project. It was later expanded by the addition of two additional programs, known as the Carmel Valley Community Thanksgiving and the Seniors Program. A more detailed description of these programs is contained below.
Dorothy’s vision recognized various needs of the residents of Carmel Valley that she hoped to meet through the establishment and continued operation of this project. Her desire was to help Valley residents enjoy the holidays and also to provide a place for seniors (whom she referred to as “the cooler than cool over 55 crowd”) to gather together throughout the year.
1. The Angel Store
The Angel Project store takes place for a few days each once a year in December. The Angel Store It's is a "free store” set up by volunteers for those who would otherwise have little or no holiday meal or presents few gifts for their children. It is stocked with new items: toys, books, a game per family, a gift for each mom and dad, some Christmas tree vouchers, and staples, bread and fresh produce. clothes, sleeping bags, school supplies and food. In some years, there have also been bicycles and Christmas trees. The food includes staples as well as all the makings for a holiday meal, such as a turkey or ham. Fresh produce is also provided. The toys, clothes, blankets, etc., are donated new by wonderful individuals, civic groups and businesses. In addition, our volunteers purchase them with tax-deductible donations received from the community. Each family using the store is selected carefully. Word of mouth referrals bring additional families in need. Each family has a private appointment to select their gifts. Cash donations are greatly appreciated to enable our Angel Shoppers to purchase items that are needed to provide a wonderful holiday for those in need of a little assistance.
2. The Carmel Valley Community Thanksgiving
For many years, the Carmel Valley Community Thanksgiving took place once a year in November at two locations; the Carmel Valley Community Center on Ford Road in Carmel Valley Village, and the Cachagua Community Center. In recent years, it has taken place only at the Carmel Valley Community Center. The Community Thanksgiving is a FREE, traditional Thanksgiving meal prepared under the direction of local chefs with volunteers decorating, serving the food and cleaning up. The feast has now moved to the day before Thanksgiving, and is a traditional meal with turkey, potatoes, vegetables, salad and pumpkin pies. The event relies on donations from businesses and volunteers of food, decorations, cooking and clean up. Cash donations help purchase food and supplies that are not otherwise donated.
3. The Seniors Program
The First Monday Free Seniors Lunch, once a part of the Angel Project, was a monthly gathering of Carmel Valley residents aged 55 and over. Guests enjoyed a free full course freshly cooked luncheon, with guest speakers providing interesting and stimulating presentations. This long-term project will hopefully resume under the sponsorship of the Carmel Valley Youth Center, and CVCYC also hopes to restart their Senior Activity session at the Community Center for socializing and games. Please email office@cvcyc.org for updates or to help coordinate either of these programs.
Dorothy’s vision recognized various needs of the residents of Carmel Valley that she hoped to meet through the establishment and continued operation of this project. Her desire was to help Valley residents enjoy the holidays and also to provide a place for seniors (whom she referred to as “the cooler than cool over 55 crowd”) to gather together throughout the year.
1. The Angel Store
The Angel Project store takes place for a few days each once a year in December. The Angel Store It's is a "free store” set up by volunteers for those who would otherwise have little or no holiday meal or presents few gifts for their children. It is stocked with new items: toys, books, a game per family, a gift for each mom and dad, some Christmas tree vouchers, and staples, bread and fresh produce. clothes, sleeping bags, school supplies and food. In some years, there have also been bicycles and Christmas trees. The food includes staples as well as all the makings for a holiday meal, such as a turkey or ham. Fresh produce is also provided. The toys, clothes, blankets, etc., are donated new by wonderful individuals, civic groups and businesses. In addition, our volunteers purchase them with tax-deductible donations received from the community. Each family using the store is selected carefully. Word of mouth referrals bring additional families in need. Each family has a private appointment to select their gifts. Cash donations are greatly appreciated to enable our Angel Shoppers to purchase items that are needed to provide a wonderful holiday for those in need of a little assistance.
2. The Carmel Valley Community Thanksgiving
For many years, the Carmel Valley Community Thanksgiving took place once a year in November at two locations; the Carmel Valley Community Center on Ford Road in Carmel Valley Village, and the Cachagua Community Center. In recent years, it has taken place only at the Carmel Valley Community Center. The Community Thanksgiving is a FREE, traditional Thanksgiving meal prepared under the direction of local chefs with volunteers decorating, serving the food and cleaning up. The feast has now moved to the day before Thanksgiving, and is a traditional meal with turkey, potatoes, vegetables, salad and pumpkin pies. The event relies on donations from businesses and volunteers of food, decorations, cooking and clean up. Cash donations help purchase food and supplies that are not otherwise donated.
3. The Seniors Program
The First Monday Free Seniors Lunch, once a part of the Angel Project, was a monthly gathering of Carmel Valley residents aged 55 and over. Guests enjoyed a free full course freshly cooked luncheon, with guest speakers providing interesting and stimulating presentations. This long-term project will hopefully resume under the sponsorship of the Carmel Valley Youth Center, and CVCYC also hopes to restart their Senior Activity session at the Community Center for socializing and games. Please email office@cvcyc.org for updates or to help coordinate either of these programs.
The Carmel Valley Angel Project. A 501c3 Corporation © 2015 Contact
P.O. Box1305, Carmel Valley, CA 93924.
P.O. Box1305, Carmel Valley, CA 93924.