The Los Altos Town Crier Holiday Fund marks its fifth year with a fund-raising goal of $120,000 for local non-profit organizations whose work directly benefits the needy.

So far, approximately $65,000 has been raised.

Those who have provided challenge grants in the past are returning this year: the Steve and Michele Kirsch Foundation, the David and Lucile Packard Foundation, the Skoll Community Fund, Rambus Inc., Charles and Nan Geschke Foundation, the William and Gay Krause Foundation, Los Altos resident Ed Dowd and the Silicon Valley Association of Realtors.

“These challenge grants are so important as an incentive to the community at large to give since it doubles their own contribution. We had over 300 donors from the general public last year,” said Town Crier Publisher Paul Nyberg.

With the addition of the Challenge Learning Center this year, the Town Crier is supporting 12 area non-profit groups.

The other recipients are: Bayshore Christian Ministries, Career Closet, Community Health Awareness Council, Community Homeless Alliance Ministry, Community Service Agency’s dental program, East Palo Alto Kids Foundation, Help One Child, Hidden Villa summer camperships, Mother Branch, Sunday Friends and Truck of Love.

All contributions are 100 percent tax deductible since the Community Foundation Silicon Valley is the fund’s fiscal partner.

Beginning next week, donors’ names will be listed in the Town Crier unless unonymity is requested by the donor.

Interested contributors should make checks payable to the Town Crier Holiday Fund and deliver them in person or by mail to the Town Crier, 138 Main St., Los Altos 94022 (See the display ad on Page 12).

Contributions may also be made with a credit card by calling Leverne Cornelius at the Town Crier office, 948-9000, ext. 335.