Help Tom Goodson

Tom Goodson is a Santa Clara treasure!  Tom has spent his life supporting students in reading, coaching sports, teaching good citizenship, creating and implementing awards programs, and so much more.  Tom is currently completing his 50th year of volunteer work in Santa Clara.  He is a member of the Santa Clara Unified School District Hall of Fame, is featured in the book, "Legendary Locals of Santa Clara," and even has a baseball field named after him in thanks and recognition for all of his support.  You will often hear Tom say with a smile, "I don't do it for the money (because he doesn't get paid), I do it for the kids." He spends almost every waking moment thinking of, and executing new ways to inspire and motivate kids.  For those of you that have not had the pleasure of a friendly chat with Tom, he is an inspirational special needs senior.  Due to his disabilities, Tom is unable to hold a job, but that doesn't stop him from being an extremely hard worker.   He lives on a very small fixed income through Social Security, and has spent the last 23 years living in a low-income housing apartment in Santa Clara.  A few months ago, Tom was suddenly given a 1,200% raise in rent.  Yes, you read that correctly.  The apartment stopped accepting his vouchers and raised the rent, amounting to an increase in cost for him of 1,200% per month!   He was already on an extremely tight budget and this raise in rent has forced him to vacate the apartment he's lived in for 23 years.   Despite this unimaginable manner in which a Santa Clara HERO was treated, and thanks to Tom's hard work, and the support of several community members, we have found a new apartment for Tom.  While the new apartment is still more expensive than his old one was before the rent increase, we have figured out a way for him to make it work.  However, he needed to put a big deposit down, he needs to pay moving costs, and he needs to replace some furniture that is 23 years old and falling apart.  We are asking for your support to help give Tom the fresh start in this next chapter that he really deserves.  Tom has given so much to our children and to our community, lets show him we can give back too!!  

PS: Your donation comes with an invitation to Tom's 50 Years of Volunteering celebration in May 2015!