Debbie Calcote sees people at their most vulnerable. As a Red Cross volunteer, she gets called out when people have lost their home to a fire. Calcote and the other Red Cross volunteers are among the thousands of Stanislaus County residents who volunteer. While nonprofits and other agencies that help people gladly accept cash and donations, volunteers also are needed.

Ice-baths and trophies punctuated a happy end to the Modesto Junior College football season. Coach Sam Young got wet as he and quarterback Greg Panelli clutched trophies, the harvest Saturday afternoon of the Pirates' 54-13 dismantling of San Jose in the 17th Graffiti Bowl.

A federal report blames senior County Bank executives for seeing too much blue sky while fiscal storm clouds gathered over their customer base. County's former chairman and chief executive officer disagree with the report.

Since 1990, Bee readers have made hundreds of dreams come true for people through A Book of Dreams. We're proud of that, and proud of our readers. This year, in recognition of the ever-worsening economy, we're seeking donations for 15 serving agencies that meet the basic needs of food, clothing and shelter. To read about the organizatons, and to donate, click on the headline.