FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Sierra Care Collaborative (Sierra Cares) is a federally recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization advancing hygiene access, wellness equity, and personal dignity. We provide all-natural, handcrafted self-care and hygiene essentials alongside responsive programming and education for under-resourced and historically marginalized individuals, families, and communities -- particularly those facing crisis or emergent situations across the Tahoe Region.

We prioritize individuals and communities most impacted by crisis, displacement, disaster, and systemic inequities. This includes -- but is not limited to -- homebound seniors, people affected by floods, wildfires, and other emergencies, under-resourced, historically marginalized populations navigating crisis situations, and families experiencing sudden instability.

Sierra Care Collaborative (Sierra Cares) is based in Gardnerville, NV. Our work is rooted in the Tahoe Region and surrounding Sierra communities, with programs designed to respond to local needs while remaining adaptable for broader crisis response when necessary.

Every product we sell is handcrafted and made by our makers and artisans, in small batches using only natural ingredients and/or locally-sourced treasurers (hello, honey, lavender, and tallow!). Proceeds from those sales directly fund the materials and delivery of the same self-care and hygiene essentials in our C.A.R.E. Kits, as well as our preloaded C.A.R.E. Cards — helping ensure care reaches people facing crisis when it’s needed most.

Our work is maker-led, dignity-centered, and crisis-informed. We don’t simply distribute products -- we thoughtfully craft all-natural self-care essentials and pair them with education and responsive programming designed by professionals with decades of nonprofit, policy, and response programming experience.

Education is a core part of our approach. Alongside essential products, we develop and share accessible education that supports personal wellness, informed choice, preparedness, and resilience -- helping individuals and communities navigate emergencies and build long-term sustainability.

395 Naturals began as an all-natural, small-batch self-care brand founded and operated by Sierra Care Collaborative’s President, Amy Howard. In January 2026, 395 Naturals formally became a project of Sierra Care Collaborative, allowing its maker-led offerings to directly support the organization’s charitable mission and programming.

Yes. Sierra Care Collaborative is a federally recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization -- EIN: 39-4968233 -- and donations may be tax-deductible as allowed by law.

Each Community Assistance for Resilience + Essentials (C.A.R.E.) Kit contains a selection of our handcrafted, all-natural self-care and hygiene products such as soap, lip balm, lotion, shampoo, and other essentials. Whenever possible, we include calming botanicals to support both physical and emotional well-being during stressful times.

Community Assistance for Resilience + Essentials (C.A.R.E.) Card is a prepaid cash card that Sierra Care Collaborative (Sierra Cares) distributes to eligible individuals facing crisis or navigating emergent situations and who meet specified criteria. Cards are used by recipients for their immediate needs like food, medicine, diapers, gas, and other basic essentials. C.A.R.E. Cards are funded by corporate and foundational sponsorships, as well as grants and individual charitable contributions.

We work closely with trusted community partners, nonprofit organizations, emergency responders, and local agencies to identify need and distribute support in a way that is respectful, efficient, and trauma-informed.

Yes. Our team of skilled makers and artisans produces every product by hand in small batches using only natural, skin-nourishing ingredients. This not only ensures quality but also allows us to add a personal, human touch to every item we distribute. This maker-led approach ensures quality, safety for sensitive skin, and intentional design -- especially important during times of stress and displacement.

Absolutely! ALL of our products are available online and at select markets and events. Every purchase directly supports our ability to carry out our mission -- producing and distributing more C.A.R.E. Kits and Cards to those in crisis.

We collaborate with community organizations, crisis centers, and emergency response partners to identify individuals and families most in need. Kits and cards are distributed directly to those who meet specified eligibility requirements -- often at shelters, during local disasters, or at community relief events.

Our current distribution area is the Nevada side of the Lake Tahoe region, with a focus on those in need from Douglas and Washoe Counties and Carson City. As our network continues to grow, we anticipate expanding to other regions across the entire Tahoe Region and Sierra Nevada, including California communities across the region, that are facing similar needs.

If you know someone in crisis within our service area, please reach out through our contact form. We’ll do our best to connect with them or their local support organization.

Yes. You can make a tax-deductible donation directly through our website or by mail. Every contribution helps us create and distribute C.A.R.E. Kits and C.A.R.E. Cards for those in our region who are in need and facing crisis or are displaced due to an emergent situation.

We occasionally accept in-kind donations of specific materials used in C.A.R.E. Kit production, depending on current needs and storage capacity. Please contact us before donating to confirm what may be most helpful. We also accept in-kind donations of preloaded food and/or grocery delivery gift cards for inclusion in our C.A.R.E. Kits.

We’re continuously growing our community of volunteers. Take a look here to see if there's a role that fits your time, skills, and heart.

We welcome strategic collaborations with corporate sponsors, foundations, public agencies, and community organizations. Let's connect and explore how we can work together to provide comfort, self-care, and essential support during times of crisis.

Donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. Generally, product purchases are not tax-deductible but directly fund our nonprofit mission.

We’re supported through product sales, individual donations, sponsorships, and grants. This blended model allows us to sustain operations while responding quickly during crises and emergencies.

You can reach us at care@sierracares.org or by phone at (775) 226-8311. We also love connecting at local markets and community events — click here to see where we’ll be next!