4Cs relies on donations from our supporters to help accomplish our mission. We make every effort to run programs at top efficiency, so that less than 5% of the budget goes to overhead. However, this often means that "extras" are not always available. Extras such as scholarships for low-income child care providers, or books in our library printed in the language a child speaks at home.

Individuals or businesses interested in giving to 4Cs can do so in three different ways: time, materials, or a personal gift of cash.

4Cs Has Been Awarded the Independent Charities Seal of Excellence The Independent Charities Seal of Excellence is awarded to the members of Independent Charities of America and Local Independent Charities of America that have, upon rigorous independent review, been able to certify, document, and demonstrate on an annual basis that they meet the highest standards of public accountability, program effectiveness, and cost effectiveness. These standards include those required by the US Government for inclusion in the Combined Federal Campaign, probably the most exclusive fund drive in the world. Of the 1,000,000 charities operating in the United States today, it is estimated that fewer than 50,000, or 5 percent, meet or exceed these standards, and, of those, fewer than 2,000 have been awarded this Seal. For more information about LIC, visit www.lic.org.

MONETARY DONATIONS

Membership Program: 4Cs welcomes donations of $20 or more annually. Membership in 4Cs entitles you to receive Voices, the quarterly newsletter, invitations to special trainings and workshops, and admittance to the Toy & Resource Library offering toys, books and educational resources to check out at no cost.

Any check in any amount is always welcome!

MATERIALS

Art supplies in good condition would be appreciated.

VOLUNTEERING

Studies have shown that children who are not read to at an early age are at a disadvantage when they begin school. Reading With Kids is a volunteer program to read to children at the 4Cs child development centers throughout Sonoma County. These children are ages 3-5 (except for an infant center in Healdsburg). Volunteers are asked to spend one hour a week and make at least a three-month commitment. Children this young have a very short attention span, so volunteers need to be flexible and patient.

For more information on giving or volunteer opportunities, please send an email to: volunteer@sonoma4cs.org.

To volunteer as a reader please contact Sue Katz at (707) 522-1413 X 178.