Supervisor Fiona Ma: The Season of Giving

December is a time of year where we often see the most generous sides of people as they take the time to help out those that are less fortunate during the "season of giving." While this is wonderful sentiment for the holiday season, we should not forget that there are people in need year-around.

I would like to take this time to recognize those special people and programs that remember that need knows no season. Amanda Janes, owner of the Corner Cup Cafe, is a true source of pride for the Sunset District, with her tireless work with the school children at Francis Scott Key Elementary School and thoughtful acts of selflessness, such as recently coordinating the effort to secure and deliver much-needed supplies to Hurricane Katrina victims.

In recognition of her contributions to the community, Janes recently received the "Treasurer's Award for Small Business Excellence," which commends and highlights San Francisco businesses that exemplify both success in business and dedication to the neighborhood and community. Not only is The Corner Cup a great coffee shop, but Janes and her team also play a critical role in supporting the local community.

Another program in the Sunset that provides much-needed support and services is the Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), which manages more than 900 volunteers in more than 90 different locations helping businesses, non-profits, hospitals, schools and libraries.

In the Sunset and citywide, RSVP seniors, who are all 55 years of age or older, help assemble meals for homebound seniors, tutor students in public schools, teach illiterate adults how to read, serve as volunteer neighborhood emergency response personnel, work in guest services in our hospitals and museums, pack and sort food for the SF Food Bank and knit items for premature babies and young patients at UCSF.

If you are a senior aged 55 years or older and would like more information on how you can get involved in local efforts through RSVP, call (415) 731-3335.

As the holiday season comes upon us, let us take this time to recognize these members of our community who give so much of themselves. I hope it inspires more of us to take the time to give back to our community and make the "season of giving" last the whole year through.

Fiona Ma is a San Francisco supervisor representing District 4.