In a "disaster scenario," the JCS would need $45,000 to pay off its lease if the center were to close unexpectedly. Ellen Mann, the president of the JCS' executive committee said the organization has already managed to garner $15,000 from parents of its after-school children, but is desperately searching for donors to make up the difference.

"Donors are urged to come forward, because we are running out of time," she said.

The money would be needed within the next week or 10 days, and, barring a disaster, could probably be returned by next June, she said.

For more information, she urged potential donors to call the JCS at (510) 658-9222.

— Joe Eskenazi