What is Change for Change?
Change for Change is Community Market’s giving program that supports local nonprofits and community organizations doing essential work in our community. When you shop at Community Market, you can make a donation at the register.
All of the money goes directly to the featured organization. There are no processing fees and no overhead taken out. Just community members supporting community work.
We are proud to highlight local organizations and help share the work they are doing. The next time you are shopping, consider adding a little extra at checkout. If you would like to suggest a future Change for Change recipient, you can reach out to our Community Outreach and Event Coordinator.
Preventing Overdose Through Education, Awareness, and Community Support
Micah's Hugs is Community Market's current Change for Change recipient. Based in Sonoma County, the nonprofit works to educate youth and families about the dangers of substance abuse and fentanyl poisoning, reduce stigma surrounding addiction, and provide lifesaving harm reduction resources throughout our community.
In this video, Micah Sawyer, founder of Micah's Hugs, introduces the fentanyl test strip and Narcan dispenser located at Community Market's Sebastopol store and shares how similar dispensers are expanding access to free harm reduction resources throughout Sonoma County.
What began as one family's unimaginable loss has become a source of support, education, and hope for countless people in our community.
In this conversation, Micah Sawyer shares the story of Micah's Hugs, the work they do, and how community members can help support their mission.
We hope you'll take a few minutes to watch.
Who They Serve and What They Do
Micah's Hugs was founded by Micah and Michelle Sawyer after the loss of their son, Micah Jr., to fentanyl poisoning in 2019. What began as a family's response to tragedy has grown into a community-wide effort focused on education, awareness, and overdose prevention.
The organization works with schools, families, businesses, and community groups to provide education about opioids, fentanyl, substance use disorder, and overdose prevention. Their goal is to help people make informed decisions, recognize the signs of an overdose, and understand how to respond in an emergency.
A major part of their work is increasing access to Narcan (naloxone), a medication that can reverse opioid overdoses. Through community distribution programs and public Narcan boxes, Micah's Hugs provides free Narcan and fentanyl test strips throughout Sonoma and Marin counties.
In addition to prevention and education efforts, Micah's Hugs works to reduce the stigma surrounding addiction and support individuals and families who have been impacted by substance use disorder and loss.
Why Change for Change Matters
Education and harm reduction save lives, but these programs rely on community support.
Donations help Micah's Hugs continue providing free Narcan, fentanyl test strips, educational materials, school presentations, community outreach, and overdose prevention training throughout Sonoma County.
Support also helps expand access to Narcan boxes and other lifesaving resources, ensuring they remain available to anyone who may need them.
Through Change for Change, small contributions at the register help support practical, local solutions that make a real difference for individuals, families, and our community.
How You Can Support Micah's Hugs
Here are a few ways to support Micah's Hugs through Community Market's Change for Change program:
• Add a donation at the register during your next shopping trip.
• Make a direct donation through the Micah's Hugs website.
• Learn about overdose prevention and share educational resources with family and friends.
• Carry Narcan and know how to use it in an emergency.
• Volunteer or participate in community awareness events.
Every contribution helps expand access to education, overdose prevention resources, and support services throughout Sonoma County.