This is an awesome program that benefits so many deprived children in times of need in the USA and…read morearound the world. Pretty shameful for one review to complain that his teenage son had to pay $20.00 to volunteer. The money is used to pay for the food and transporation around the world. Would have been more appropriate to pay for his son to reinforce what a good deed it is. Cudos to the teenager who wanted to help in anyway.

This is a great cause. I have volunteered here more than 20 times with my 13 year old. It is great…read moreto find places that allow kids that young. As much as the cause is great, I have observed on a regular basis team members being short and harsh with my kid if god forbids he drops a grain of rice. But not only that. These people should learn that there is a way of saying things and should practice gratitude a little more....

If you use the food pantry get there early as numbers go quickly. That said, the people that work…read morehere are friendly and helpful. They give a wide variety of food & are really organized. This a good place to go if you need food.

If you are a home owner in the Bay Area, you probably have a fruit tree, or two, on your property…read more And if you take care of these trees, they bestow you with an abundance of fruit - lemons, oranges, tangerines, mandarins, grapefruit, plums, apricots, peaches, nectarines, persimmons, figs, pomegranates - more than you can possible eat, make into pies, jams, or pickles, or give away to neighbors, family or friends. Often, no one wants your excess fruit, because they have plenty of their own, thank you! And then you're in a jam, or pickle (both puns intended) because the tree rats (aka squirrels) start attacking your fruit, or it rots on your tree or in your yard. But not in our home! Because we pick ALL our fruit, and donate the excess to TriValley Haven Food Pantry in Livermore! We walk in (they are currently at 150 North L Street), no appointment needed, and drop off the fruit, which gets donated to families in need. They'll even give you a donation receipt, handy for your tax return. You're welcome!

Always a pleasant experience. Staff and manager are always helpful and friendly…read more Stock is neatly arranged and buyable. Not only is Shepard's Gate worth a visit, but they support our community.

This review is written as an observer at a distance given lack of access during the recovery…read moreprocess. Most info gained through family members who have had direct contact and my own research. This program and organization is unlike any other I've seen or heard of. While being very structured in many ways such as lack of outside communication for most of 11 months, this allows the individual to step out from under the burden upon them, long enough to make the personal changes needed. The facilities are excellent, and the needs of the participants are well met. Religion may not be your thing, but if accepting God into your life helps reduce the anxiety, or other inhibiting factors, why not? If participants learn to think about their actions prior to acting, they learn to avoid problems, and get help when they recognize it on the horizon. Those are much needed skills today. The support shepherds gate receives from all the churches in the tri-valley area is nothing short of amazing! It is evident by the volunteer support the organization receives. This program has attendees learning coping skills necessary to live functionally in today's world. They help them develop computer skills. They help them interview for and get employment. They have access to every resource from sponsors to doctors and therapists. Attendees of the program seem very positive. Some refuse to play by the rules and are removed from the program. In the end this is a free 11 month program. Not because insurance is covering it, they don't charge. Yes that's written correctly. This is a program that gives the time needed to move to a new lifestyle, and have stabilization. I can't imagine what this would cost otherwise. When it seems like everyone's got an angle to rob you blind, here is the purest form of love and support. I had my reservations given its structure. But the feedback is outstanding.

VOLUNTEER REVIEW: Fertile Ground Works is a non-profit who depend on volunteers to provide…read moregardening help so that harvested produce can be given to local community kitchens and food pantries. A team of 8 of us from work came out one Tuesday morning to offer our help. Lori and Brenda greeted us and gave us instructions for each task. First we harvested veggies, which were separated into yellow bins ready for distribution to food pantries. When we were done with harvesting, we weeded a plant bed, then turned over the soil and added fertilizer. The bed is now ready for planting. It was hard work, but very rewarding. Lori and Brenda weren't just instructors, they were hands on too. Overall, a great experience for a very worthy cause.

I heard about this nonprofit in social media. You can come here and get a few bags of free compost…read more The garden is part of a charitable and educational nonprofit in Livermore, California in land, owned by the Asbury United Methodist Church. They grow vegetables that they provide to local community kitchen and pantries and operate programs to feed the hungry in the tri-valley region. To get your free compost drive all the way to the back and you will see the piles of compost. Bring your own reusable bags or containers such as pots. Then you should first register using your phone, go to the sign, and then scan the QR code. Afterwords fill out the survey. This information helps them to track usage and helps them to understand usage and their value to the communities. I also heard that sometimes during the year they sell different plants. It's important that you only come during the posted hours when they are open. Check their website!

I would like to thank my parents and the countless religious-related movies dubbed in Vietnamese…read morethat I used to watch endlessly because that was what shaped my heart to be the way it is now. I came from a rough background, a harsh childhood but that never prevented my parents to teach and discipline me. and to show me that a little compassion goes a long way. Due to restriction at work, I wasn't able to promote this drive but thank to Beth L., Craig M., Cristal C., Noelle J., and one of my coworkers for making this drive successful. I collected quite a few backpacks and felt good that we helped a few families. The evening I decided it was time to drop the backpacks filled w/ school supplies off, I was amazed to see the generous hearts that was there before me; I saw huge piles and piles of backpacks... I'm not there to help everyone because realistically I can't but if I can make someone smile and not have to worry about the expenses of getting a backpack and school supplies then it's definitely worth it. Donations and volunteerism isn't just during the holidays. Do what you can. Help others.

What a fantastic organization. Please consider signing up for their mailing list if you'd like to…read morevolunteer as spots fill up quickly, another plus is that children are welcome to join to help out too, which many organizations require them to be 16 y.o. and up.

This little free library book box seems to be brand new. At least it's in excellent condition…read more Apparently, it's run by a Girl Scout Troop. They have done a fantastic job. The box is well stocked with both kids as well as adult books. Both hardcover and paperback. On the front of the book box are some useful stickers. One is a suicide prevention Lifeline sticker--excellent. There's also a funny little note on the front that says what are you waiting for? Open me. All in all a fantastic little free library book box. Well done Girl Scouts.

The purpose of this organization is based on the truly altruistic goal of keeping the Tri-Valley…read morearea as family oriented as possible. Contrary to some, it is a pro-growth organization --- growth with limitations based on quality of life. I've donated money and time and despite local governments and newspapers working against CBG, the suggestions and implications regarding growth made by CBG have more frequently than not materialized over the long run.

Citizens for Balanced Growth monitors and advises the City of Livermore on the expenditure of…read moredevelopment offset fees. They also act as a watchdog to assure that previous legal settlements are adhered to. If you let your guard down but once, the interests of greed and profit will subvert the best public processes for delivering value to the community. Citizens for Balanced Growth has been leading this charge since 1982, way to go!