LAKEPORT, Calif. – The Time Bank of Thrive Lake County opened its Social Capital Fund on Monday, Jan. 20.

The Social Capital Fund enables time bank members with excess hours the ability to contribute these hours to a special fund to assist other members.

The fund currently accepts and distributes hours only – cash contributions and distributions are not available.

“The Social Capital Fund provides an excellent opportunity for community members in need to get help” says John Saare, North Lake and technical coordinator for the Time Bank of Thrive Lake County.

“Now there can be one less barrier between members with critical needs and those who may be able to help,” said Saare. “Also, there are those who just want to volunteer and not receive any hours for themselves. This fund allows them to magnify their service contribution.”

Carol Cole-Lewis, Thrive Lake County Coordinator and Time Bank Project Coordinator explained why this fund is so important.

“People have refrained from joining the time bank because they have physical, financial or other challenges which truly limit their ability to give back,” she said. “We hope this fund goes some way towards removing this barrier toward membership and to help meet the deepest needs of  Lake County residents.”

Cole-Lewis continued, “Any time bank member who wants to apply for hours from the Social Capital Fund can contact us.”

The time bank uses the complimentary currency of  hours to enable members to exchange services.

Every hour is valued the same, regardless of the service performed.

Time bank membership is open to any Lake County resident, business, or organization.

Office locations include 307 N. Main St., Lakeport, open 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. most weekdays; and the Clearlake Food Pantry at 14832 Lakeshore, Clearlake, open 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursdays.

The next free orientation for new and prospective members is 3 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 8, at Dancing Tree People Farm, 1445 Pitney Lake, Upper Lake.  

For more information about Time Bank of Thrive Lake County, visit http://timebanklakeco.org or phone 707-413-0220.