05/13/2026
What started as a community fundraiser for a “new-to-us” truck turned into something even more meaningful. 💝
Because of your generosity, Grey Bears was able to purchase a reliable truck to continue serving seniors across Santa Cruz County. Along the way, we also met Val — a volunteer whose kindness, expertise, and heart have made an incredible impact on our organization. 🚚
After discovering Grey Bears while attending medical appointments at a nearby hospital, Val stopped in for lunch and found more than a meal: he found connection and community. Since then, he has become our volunteer vehicle consultant, leveraging his mechanical skills to help Grey Bears manage our fleet. 💝
Val quickly noticed issues across our fleet, including leaks, underinflated tires, and ongoing maintenance challenges, and immediately got to work. He guided us on improving the functionality and longevity of our trucks and forklifts, helping ensure our vehicles remain safe and reliable. 🛠️
Over the past few months, Val has saved Grey Bears thousands of dollars in repairs by doing work himself and connecting us with trusted mechanics and tradespeople from his network.
When it came time to purchase the new truck, Val played a key role — offering guidance on what to look for, what to avoid, and even traveling to the East Bay to inspect a vehicle on our behalf. Thanks to Val, Grey Bears was able to make a smart purchase that met both our budget and our need for a dependable vehicle.
Despite living with a terminal illness, Val continues to give his time to others with positivity and compassion, reminding us all that “every day is a good day.” 🌞
We are endlessly grateful for supporters like Val and for every member of our community who helps make our mission possible. Together, we’re able to provide food, connection, and care to seniors in our community. 🩵
