(Woodland, CA) – Yolo Public Defender Community Assistance & Re-Entry Support (CARES) will be holding a fundraiser on March 16 at MOD Pizza, located at 2051 Bronze Star Drive, Suite 100 in Woodland.

Yolo Public Defender CARES is a nonprofit organization which was formed to partner with the Yolo County Public Defender’s Office to fill gaps in resources necessary to support people impacted by the local criminal legal system. Aligned with the Public Defender’s Office’s mission to holistically meet indigent clients’ needs outside of the courtroom, CARES aims to provide financial and tangible supports to justice-involved individuals, especially those who are re-entering their communities after a period of incarceration.

Funds raised from MOD Pizza purchases on Thursday, March 16 will have a direct, positive impact on the lives of those re-entering their communities. For example, CARES funds can be used to assist indigent clients who are released from jail on weekends and need a ride home or who must wait to reinstate their food stamp benefits, leaving them without resources to purchase food for days. Funds can also pay for a person’s transportation to court, their rent or utilities while being incarcerated or essential prescription medications upon release. Funds raised for Yolo Public Defender CARES on March 16 will alleviate the tremendous struggles indigent community members face upon re-entry.

This fundraiser coincides with the landmark court decision in Gideon vs. Wainwright which guarantees the right to counsel for all poor people. On March 18, 1963, the United States Supreme Court unanimously ruled that the right of a poor person in a criminal trial to have the assistance of counsel is fundamental and essential to a fair trial. In recognition of the 60th Anniversary of Gideon vs. Wainwright, Yolo County Public Defender Tracie Olson was presented a resolution by the Board of Supervisors proclaiming March 18, 2023 as “Public Defense Day” in Yolo County, which coincides with National Public Defender Day.

To help “raise some dough” for CARES, mention the fundraiser at checkout at MOD Pizza on Thursday, March 16 or use the code MODGIVES20 for online orders. Either way, 20% of your payment will go directly to Yolo Public Defender CARES.