Important new information about the Chandler Food Bank

Ellen Engel

Because so many Sun Lakes residents have been saving their empty egg cartons for donation to Matthew’s Crossing Food Bank of Chandler, we are repeating an important announcement first published last month.

We have been informed by the director of the Food Bank that they can no longer accept empty egg cartons (which many Sun Lakes donors were contributing) because of a recent change in local Health Department regulations.

The director has also reminded us that the items recipients need most are peanut butter, canned meats and fish, diapers and personal hygiene products like soaps and shampoos (including those small travel sizes so many people bring back with them from vacations but never actually use).

Collections for November are incomplete at the time of publication, but here is the schedule of pickups we observe each month, year-round.

The first monthly food and donation program, sponsored by the Duplicate Bridge Club, takes place prior to their regular meeting on the first Monday of the month at Risen Savior Lutheran Church on Alma School Road, from 12:30-1:20 p.m.

The second monthly collection, sponsored by the Sun Lakes Democratic Club, precedes their regular monthly meeting at 6:30 p.m. on the second Monday at the Sun Lakes Country Club clubhouse.

Other donations are received regularly from Unity of Sun Lakes, where members of that community have been contributing since Reach Out Sun Lakes began more than eight years ago. Sun Lakes Jewish Community is also a regular source of contributions.

The Bridge Club pickup takes place at the Risen Savior Lutheran Church on Alma School Road from 12:30-1:20 p.m. on the first Monday of each month, and the Sun Lakes Democratic Club accepts contributions on the second Monday at 6:30 p.m. at the Sun Lakes Country Club (SLCC).

For those who cannot make it to the formal pickup locations at those specific times, a collection point is also open during normal business hours at the SLCC clubhouse in Sun Lakes Country Club.

The food bank, located at 1368 Arizona Avenue in Chandler, also needs volunteers on a regular basis. If interested, please call 857-2296 and join the many Sun Lakers who already donate time and effort to Matthew’s Crossing.

For further information about Reach Out Sun Lakes and how you can help in this effort please call Ellen Engel at 480-802-0425 or email her at  [email protected].