Clubs & Classes, August 2014

Reach out Sun Lakes updates its half year results for Matthew’s Crossing

Ellen Engel

The deadline for this issue prevented us from reporting the full extent of July’s yield from the food drives sponsored by Reach Out Sun Lakes and targeted for Matthew’s Crossing Food Bank in Chandler, but if the collection on July 7 is any indicator, we are doing better and better as time goes by. Our collection at the meeting site of the Sun Lakes Duplicate Bridge club delivered 135 pounds of food and cash donations of $252.

We have updated the half-year results for 2014 and the good news is that from January through June we collected just under 1.5 tons of basic foods and nearly $1,200 in cash from generous Sun Lakes residents.

The dollars were used to pay for basic foods not normally donated and all food items were ultimately channeled to needy families in Chandler.

Any Sun Lakes resident may contribute at established pickup points sponsored by the Sun Lakes Duplicate Bridge Club and the Sun Lakes Democratic Club. Other local organizations, including the Sun Lakes Jewish congregation and Unity of Sun Lakes, also make regular contributions and donations; your organization can do so as well. But membership in local clubs and congregations is not a criterion. In fact, many individual donors show up at the 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 12:35-1:20 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 SLCC.

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

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

Again, thank you Sun Lakes and keep up the good work!