Ellen Engel

Here are the early results for the May food collection. On Monday, May 2, at the collections sponsored by the Sun Lakes Duplicate Bridge Club and Unity of Sun Lakes, generous Sun Lakes residents contributed 179 pounds of food and $425 in cash. On May 9, at the collection sponsored by the Sun Lakes Democratic Club, we garnered 490 pounds of staple foods and $35 in cash. The Sun Lakes Jewish community regularly donates later in the month, but collections prior to the Splash deadline totaled 669 pounds of staple foods and $460 in cash.

Contributed dollars are used to pay for basic foods not normally donated, and all items are ultimately channeled to the more than 600 needy families throughout Chandler, the majority of whom are, in fact, among the working poor.

Although we mention several Sun Lakes organizations and groups by name, any Sun Lakes resident may contribute at established pickup points sponsored by the Sun Lakes Duplicate Bridge Club (12:30-1:20 p.m. on the first Monday of each month at Risen Savior Lutheran Church on Alma School Road) and the Sun Lakes Democratic Club (6:30-7:00 p.m. on the second Monday of the month at the Sun Lakes Country Club). In fact, many individual donors show up from all over Sun Lakes at the two club-sponsored pickup points.

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 SLCC clubhouse.

What staple foods are in the most constant demand at the Food Bank? Peanut butter, canned vegetables and fruits, dried legumes (beans, peas), rice, pasta, dried main dishes such as macaroni and cheese and canned meats and fish. Canned soups are also popular items, as are cereals.

Our Sun Lakes community continues to have significant impact on meeting the need, both through the monthly Reach Out food drives and with volunteers who work at the food bank itself, located at 1368 Arizona Avenue in Chandler. The Crossing always needs additional volunteer help. If this direct participation activity appeals to you, please call Matthew’s Crossing at 480-857-2296 for information.

And for further information about Reach Out Sun Lakes, please contact Ellen Engel at 480-802-0425 or email her at [email protected].

Our volunteer collector is experiencing medical problems sufficient to indicate that he should no longer continue with his monthly responsibilities; so Reach Out Sun Lakes is seeking a volunteer with an SUV or small truck to collect donations and cash on the first and second Mondays of each month and to make deliveries to Matthew’s Crossing Food Bank in Chandler following each pickup. If you are willing to help please call Ellen Engel at 802-0425 or 980-6841. Thank you.