"The clients were so incredibly grateful and thrilled with the contents as they make their lives a little more comfortable and “normal” as they continue working towards self-sufficiency.”
Making a Difference
June 26, 2026 - Lori Mortensen
It was a watch party of historic proportions. On June 26, 2026, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints celebrated the Tabernacle Choir’s 100th anniversary of their first performance at the Hollywood Bowl by streaming the 120-minute program that featured special performances, by guest artists, such as Donny Osmond, along with beloved Choir favorites, to church buildings across the United States. In keeping with the Choir’s global mission, all of the revenue from ticket sales, along with audience contributions, were matched by the Church and donated to charities supporting the well- being of women and children.
In concert with that mission, local volunteers filled backpacks that would be donated to The Center, an organization in Placerville that provides comprehensive services and programs for families impacted by violence and abuse. These “Pando Home Welcome
Backpack Kits” included a hoodie, flip flops, journals, pens, coloring books, tooth brushes, toothpaste, markers, socks, and more, that would make life just a little bit easier for the residents of The Center’s Pando House, a safe transitional house place
where residents may stay until they’re able to move out on their own. “It was amazing,” said volunteer Cheryl Trapani, “to see how generous the members of our congregation were in supporting this activity. They supplied beyond the minimum numbers of items that were requested.”
On July 6, 2026, Lee and Cheryl Trapani of Cameron Park delivered 30 “Pando Home Welcome Backpack Kits” to staff members at The Center.
“The backpacks have been incredibly well-received,” said staff member, Morgen Earle. “In fact, last week we had 10 backpacks distributed! The clients were so incredibly grateful and thrilled with the contents as they make their lives a little more comfortable and “normal” as they continue working towards self-sufficiency.”
“We came to The Center,” reported one family, “as a shattered family. The staff helped to pick up the pieces, then gave us the tools we needed to put our family back together.”
The Center has been helping families for nearly 40 years. Their mission is to provide structure, support, and guided discussion with a focus on accountability, skill-building, and practical strategies participants can use immediately in the relationships and daily lives. By solving challenges, the Center aims to keep families together to grow and thrive.
For more information about volunteering and how you can make a difference, visit www.justserve.org and The Center at www.thecenternow.org.