GRIDLEY, CA (MPG) – A group of 5 ladies from Gridley and surrounding areas have been making a big difference in the lives of cancer patients in north-state communities.

Founded just under 3 years ago, the non-profit North Valley Sparrow Foundation, has made it their mission to provide funds to local cancer patients in rural northern California counties to help alleviate some of the burdens created by a cancer diagnosis. The group, who has had cancer touch their lives and families in someway, provides financial aid for transportation costs, housing expenses, personal care necessities and emotional wellness for both the patients undergoing treatment and their caregivers. 

According to their website, they named the organization after the sparrow “because it symbolizes love, protection, simplicity and community,” and “teamwork and hard work are what make the strong sparrows productive, despite their small size.” It’s fitting, seeing that in the short time that they have been together, the NVSF has been able to accomplish much.

Recently they were the recipients of a marketing grant from the Discovery Shoppe League Inc. in Chico – a fellow non-profit invested in supporting the community, specializing in counseling needs for the last 60 years. Since the summer of 1996, The Discovery Shoppe League has made charitable awards totaling more than $900,000.

NVSF Board member Jennah Terry shares, “We found out about this grant program through the Discovery Shoppe and we met with some of the volunteers there,” she says. After reviewing the applications, non-profit groups are invited to present their cause, and the DSL deliberates and votes on who they feel is best deserving of the award. This year the NVSF were the recipients of the $10,000 grant.

The NVSF says, “We are humbled by the award of this grant as we were 1 of 12 worthy and deserving local nonprofits deemed eligible for funding… In addition to the financial significance of this award, this is the first time we have been publicly recognized and validated by another organization for our efforts since our inception two and a half years ago!” Terry adds the grant was “Really, really big for us because that is a lot of money that can help a lot of people….We are so honored and so happy to receive the grant.”

The group intends to use the funding to help promote their cause and amplify their presence throughout the north state. “We are small but we are growing,” says Terry. Visit their website to inquire about their fundraisers, become a volunteer, sponsor, to donate or to apply for aid at www.northvalleysparrowfoundation.org.