By Clyde Noel

Town Crier Correspondent

Sept. 11 disaster relief captured the lion’s share of the nation’s philanthropy, and rightly so. But in the process, local charities were often forgotten.

“We need to remind people there are needs locally. After the Sept. 11 terrorist attack people sent money back East and it’s created a void in some of our programs,” said Tom Myers, executive director of the Commuity Services Agency of Mountain View, Los Altos and Los Altos Hills.

Several funding sources that went to CSA in past years, were given to the Red Cross for distribution elsewhere. When Mac’s American Grill in Los Altos closed this year, CSA lost a place for as many as 250 needly people to have Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners.

“People don’t realize the Sept. 11 attack created demands from our clients. We needed to offer emotional help for our seniors,” Myers said. “Many were anxious and dealing with memories of past tragedies and lost ones.

“Our volunteers at the Food and Nutritional Center showed up for their assignments and made sure the center stayed open. CSA clients in need of food knew they could come to CSA and it would be open because of volunteers,” Myers said.

CSA has a wish list that volunteers and benefactors can fulfill. The agency urgently needs toys and sports equipment, gift certificates for food, pajamas up to 12 years of age, and large-print 2002 calendars.

There is also a huge increase in demand for rent and utility assistance. People recently laid off come to CSA for such assistance.

“CSA is blessed because it is financially sound, but our donations have diminished with Silicon Valley layoffs and corporate cutbacks on donations,” Myers said. “We need to have people step up to the plate and support their local charity.”

Checks made out to CSA can be sent to: CSA, 204 Stierlin Road, Mountain View 94043. For information, call 968-0836.

tance, 13 percent to senior services, 13 percent to senior nutrition and 10 percent to the Alpha Omega shelter program. The remainder goes to support other programs.

CSA helps promote independence and self-sufficiency through direct service, advocacy and referral of clients who have economic, physical or social needs in Mountain View, Los Altos and Los Altos Hills.