Spring is the season of giving, and the Benicia Human Services Board (HSB) is providing a chance for people to give. For the next 21 days, the HSB is hosting an online fundraiser for its Human Services Fund in the hopes of raising $5,000 before the deadline.

The HSB oversees the Human Services Fund, a charitable reserve that distributes funds to nonprofit agencies that provide support to Benicians in need. Each month, the HSB goes over each grantee’s service goals and objectives and continually provides fundraising to keep each program going.

This year, the HSB has opted for a “Spring into Action” campaign by encouraging people to donate online through CauseVox, a crowdfunding website aimed mainly to provide support to nonprofits. The proceeds would benefit seven organizations and programs:

* The Kyle Hyland Foundation for Teen Support— Named after a Benicia High Schooler who died by suicide in 2014, the Kyle Hyland Foundation was established with the goal of opening and maintaining a teen center in Benicia for adolescents to hang out, decompress and receive emotional support from peers and through art and music. The center opened in 2016 and reopened at a new location near Lighthouse Covenant Church.

* Families in Transition— A nonprofit founded in 1989 to provide respite to families in need. Such services include assistance with rent, utilities and security deposits to help families find new homes in Benicia. The clients are those who are financially stable but need assistance to help maintain that stability.

* Benicia Unified School District’s Special Friends— A program that was established at BUSD in 1989 to serve students in kindergarten through third grade undergoing adjustment problems such as a recent move or a loss in the family. The service aims to provide students with a sense of belonging.

* Catholic Social Services— A program that provides child, couple and family counseling to people with low or no income. The program also provides on-site counseling to students at Benicia High and Benicia Middle School.

* The Benicia Community Action Council— An organization founded in 1967 to provide services to economically disadvantaged populations. Such services include a senior meal delivery program, transportation, car donations, counseling and more. The CAC also provides referrals to programs that can provide additional services.

* Soroptimist International SCOOP Closet— The Soroptimist Closet of Opportunity and Provisions (SCOOP) was established in 2014 to stock supplies unavailable in other government need programs. Such supplies include diapers, cleaning supplies, feminine products and other items available upon request.

* Carquinez Village— A senior service organization aimed at helping seniors live full independent lives at home. Members can receive such services as transportation, assistance with grocery shopping and handyman services such as replacing light bulbs.

“While these programs are largely funded by the city of Benicia, annual fundraising efforts by the HSB are necessary to close the gap on total funding needs,” the HSB wrote on its website. “Your tax-deductible donation will help the HSB meet this goal and support seven Benicia programs that impact the lives of so many in our community.”

As of press time, the campaign has raised more than $700 with 21 days remaining. To donate, go to https://spring-into-action-benicia.causevox.com.

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