Ellen Engel

Matthew’s Crossing announced that they are honored because they have been selected by the Arizona Diamondbacks Foundation for a $100,000 award for the purchase of a new refrigerated van and other badly-needed transportation equipment. Here are some Arizona hunger statistics: Arizona is tied as the fifth worst state in the U.S. for overall food insecurity. One in four children, one in five adults and one in seven senior struggles with hunger. A sample of food items in the emergency food boxes include pasta, rice, beans, canned fruits and vegetables, soup, cereal, dry milk and canned meats. When available, bread, milk, meat, fresh produce and bakery items are also included. With the Diamondbacks’ donation, Matthew’s Crossing will be able to collect refrigerated foods from all parts of the Valley.

The June totals for each of our major organizational donors were as follows: Sun Lakes Duplicate Bridge Club $200.00, Unity of Sun Lakes seven pounds of food and $257.00, Sun Lakes Country Club (box in lobby) 298 pounds of food, Sun Lakes Democratic Club $130.00 and 106 pounds of food and Sun Lakes Jewish Congregation 71 pounds of food. So far in 2019, our Reach Out group has collected 2,331.5 pounds of food and $2.509.00.

Membership in local clubs and congregations is not a criterion for contributing. In fact, many individual donors show up at these two club-sponsored pickup points from all over Sun Lakes. The Bridge Club pickup takes place at the Risen Savior Lutheran Church on Alma School Road from 12:30 to 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 specific times, a collection point is also open during normal business hours at the Sun Lakes Country Club.

The food bank itself, which is located at 1368 Arizona Avenue in Chandler, also needs volunteers, especially in the summer months when many go back north. If this opportunity interests you, please call their volunteer coordinator at 857-2296. For further information, to arrange for organizational support for this very worthwhile program or to volunteer your own personal services, please contact Ellen Engel at 480-980-6841 or email her at [email protected].