Ellen Engel

Causes: Coronavirus relief food banks, food, food banks, and pantries

Mission: Uniting our community in the fight against hunger by providing food and basic necessities to our neighbors in need.

Results: Currently, Matthew’s Crossing provides food and other basic necessities to over 3,500 people each month and approximately 2,250 food boxes for students per month.

Target Demographics: disadvantaged and underserved individuals and families

Geographic Areas Served: East Valley/Maricopa County

Programs: emergency food boxes, emergency infant boxes, and holiday food boxes

Here are some comments from a client and also from a volunteer:

From a client: “During a time I was in need, Matthew’s Crossing was there for me and my son. Not only did I receive healthy foods, I was always treated with respect. It can be humbling and embarrassing to ask for help when needed, but the volunteers at Matthew’s Crossing never made me feel as if I had anything to be ashamed of. Their kindness and caring helped in immeasurable ways. Thank you for being there.”

From a volunteer: “I have been active with Matthew’s Crossing for several years. I volunteered when this started as a small food bank, giving food out of a church kitchen. It has been heartwarming to see this organization move forward to the excellent non-profit organization it is today. There have been many times when I have handed a bag of groceries to a person and seen the tears of gratitude running down their cheeks. There is no more joy for a volunteer than giving a teddy bear to a child and seeing their face light up and their eyes shine. My husband has served on the board of Matthew’s Crossing, and we support all the good they are doing in our community.”

This pandemic will be around for a while, and with work opening and shutting down, schools opening and closing, and the threat of losing one’s home, young families are getting the brunt of this virus. Sun Lakes has been very generous with their contributions. Please continue to support Matthew’s Crossing. You can donate on their website https://matthewscrossing.org. Matthew’s Crossing Food Bank also needs volunteers on a regular basis. If this opportunity interests you, please call 480-857-2296. Their address is 1368 N. Arizona Avenue, Unit 112, Chandler, AZ 85225.