Change 4 Real Change To Host Fundraiser At Round Table Pizza July 13

If you have any change to spare, a local organization is asking that you spend it on pizza rather than giving it to panhandlers.

Change 4 Real Change, a venture initiated by Concord City Councilmember Ron Leone, aims to improve the lives of the local homeless community "by encouraging the public to make donations to homeless service organizations as an alternative to giving away spare change to persons on the street."

As such, the organization is hosting a fundraising event July 13 at the Pleasant Hill Round Table Pizza, when 20 percent of the proceeds from sales will be donated to Change 4 Real Change.

“Our organization is trying to raise awareness about how best to help the homeless,” said event organizer Misty Leone, as quoted in a press release. “While we have a lot of empathy for people who find themselves homeless, giving them spare change only enables them to stay on the streets and does nothing to get them the help they need. The longer they stay on the street, the less likely they are to find a job or a permanent home.”

Volunteers have distributed Change 4 Real Change collection containers to Concord businesses and the organization also sells vouchers that donors can give to the homeless instead of money. The vouchers provide a free meal, transportation to the shelter and access to services. The funds raised go to Central County Homeless Outreach and ANKA Behavioral Health, two providers of services to the local homeless population.

To participate in the July 13 fundraiser, bring the event flyer to Round Table Pizza at 716 Contra Costa Boulevard, Pleasant Hill, or show it to restaurant staff on your smartphone when ordering. Download the event flyer here or bookmark this page.

Visit www.change4realchange.org for more information.

What do you think of the Change 4 Real Change Program? Do you still give money to panhandlers? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments.