This year in our magazine we have given you the reasons we are so thankful for the local men and women of law enforcement, EMT, hospitals, and the Fire Department. They keep our streets and families safe on a daily basis. But what about the unsung heroes who don’t receive the recognition or appreciation for what they do to keep our community safe? As this year comes to an end, the staff at Valley Response Magazine would like to say thank you to the generous men and women who do their part to make our lives better and safer. The next time you see them on the streets perhaps you may say thank you!

Animal Rescue

Valley Oak SPCA is a non-profit corporation. It runs an animal shelter/adoption center and provides animal control, cruelty investigations, pet behavior care line, lost pet line, community outreach and humane education, clinics, and sheltering services. Valley Oak SPCA takes in approximately 12,000 stray and owner-surrendered dogs and cats each year. This shelter wouldn’t be able to run without the volunteers who do the work out of their love of animals. Without people like them in our community there would be many animals without the attention they need.

School Bus Drivers

The school bus drivers who pick up your kids and get them to school on time are not only safe keepers of your kids, but brave souls. How many of you could drive a bus full of hyper kids? We need to give these men and women extra thanks for picking them up and taking them to school safely, saving you time, gas, and headaches! If you are thinking of giving them a present for Christmas, consider a nice pair of earmuffs to drown out the noise!

Crossing Guards

We cannot fail to give thanks to the crossing guards who also keep our children safe on their way to school. Drivers know how dangerous our roads can be—people fail to stop and look both ways at a corner, or don’t want to stop for someone waiting to cross the road. It can be dangerous for anyone crossing the road, let alone a little kid, who is harder to see over the hoods of our big cars and trucks. Thankfully we have men and women who stand out in the morning and afternoon to make sure our kids can cross the street safely.

A Cause for Hunger and Shelter

There are a couple of different places in this county that deserve thanks for their help with hungry and homeless families. Foodlink for Tulare County Inc. is a non-profit food bank that educates the community about the effects of hunger and distributes food to hungry families in Tulare and Kings counties. Through a network of eighty-five organizations including emergency food pantries, summer food sites, soup kitchens, and shelters, it helps families in need. Visalia Emergency Aid Council operates a food pantry and provides families with children emergency assistance with housing and basic needs. It also operates a thrift store to provide families with household items and generate income for the organization. Generous groups like these benefit our community in more ways than we can imagine and for that we are thankful.

CASA of Tulare County

We would like to thank the people at CASA for keeping abused children safe and secure.  Every year more than half a million abused and neglected children need safe, permanent, and nurturing homes. CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) makes sure the abuse and neglect does not continue in the court system. These trained advocates are appointed by judges to be the voice for these children in court, so that the child can be placed into a safe, loving home. Thanks to the help of these CASA volunteers these children have a second chance at life!

Volunteer To Do Your Part

Since many of these services are run by volunteers, the last group we’d like to thank is the City of Visalia Volunteer Service Program, which connects volunteers with agencies looking for volunteers. Many of the above organizations (and more) depend on the volunteers who help the business run smoothly. Being a volunteer helps the community that you live in helps you grow as a person, becoming more loving, caring, and helpful to those in need. If you have ever wanted to volunteer contact this helpful program and start making a difference!

There are so many people that deserve thanks. The ones mentioned above are just a few that go to work every day to make this community a better place. If you know someone who volunteers or deserves a word of thanks, write to us about him or her.