By Jondi Gumz
Caroline’s, the nonprofit thrift shop with the biggest heart in Aptos, has done it again. Proprietor Kristy Licker handed out checks for $710,000 to 25 local nonprofits Sunday and launched a scholarship at Cabrillo College to recognize Jeff and Adele Talmadge for their volunteer work.
Volunteers help Christy Licker run Caroline’s Nonprofit Thrift Shop, allowing her to give more to local nonprofits. From left, Jan Granlund, Christy Licker, Tricia Baker, and Sophia Scaffone. • Photo Credit: Jondi Gumz
This year’s donations brings Caroline’s giving to nonprofits to $2 million.
Licker began sharing the proceeds from her shop in 2012 to honor her daughter Caroline, who benefited from services provided by local nonprofits until she died at 16.
This year, she was able to be especially generous because she sold her property at 402 Trout Gulch Road where the shop initially was located and in September moved to across the street to 8047 Soquel Drive.
The Talmadge Scholarship will be funded each year by Caroline’s, with two $2,500 scholarships going to two Cabrillo graduates continuing their education at a four-year university or technical school and who have demonstrated a commitment to community service.
Licker said the Talmadges were an integral part of the building of the CASA house, assisted Habitat for Humanity and donated countless hours to local schools, individuals, and local nonprofits.
“It is our hope that your example will inspire others and especially young people,” Licker said.
Staff at Community Bridges were thrilled to receive $20,000 award to support Renacer, the only Spanish-speaking support group for families of children with disabilities in Santa Cruz County. The group, at La Manzana Community Resources, offers workshops, resources, and peer support to parents with special needs children.
The program also provides free child care and playgroup activities for children with disabilities. This allows the children to interact with other special needs children reassuring them that they are not alone, while their parents receive emotional, social and practical help.
The award will allow the program to continue to offer free child care and invest in new ADA-compliant books and toys for a more inclusive environment. The funding also will allow for support to families, such as food for workshops and meetings, to alleviate any financial burdens.
“We are so grateful to Caroline’s Thrift Shop for their generous award,” said Ray Cancino, Community Bridges’ CEO.
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Here are the nonprofits receiving a gift from Caroline’s this year:
- Jacob’s Heart, $75,000
- Hospice of Santa Cruz, $75,000
- CASA, $75,000
- Coastal Kids, $75,000
- SPIN, $30,000
- Monarch Services, $30,000
- Walnut Avenue, $30,000
- Second Harvest Food For Kids, $30,000
- For Kids Monterey Bay, $30,000
- CCCC, $25,000
- Teen Kitchen Project, $25,000
- Big Brothers/Big Sisters SC, $25,000
- Nourishing Generations, $20,000
- Partnership for Children, $20,000
- Pajaro Valley Shelter Services, $20,000
- Community Bridges, $20,000
- Survivors Healing Center, $15,000
- Youth Now, $15,000
- Shared Adventures, $15,000
- Camp Kesem, $10,000
- Hope’s Closet, $10,000
- The Diversity Center, $10,000
- NAMI, $10,000
- Salud y Carinos, $10,000
- Friends of Santa Cruz County Parks, $5,000
- Talmadge Scholarship, $5,000