Rev. Ron Burcham, Sr. Pastor of Risen Savior Lutheran Church announced that the congregation of Risen Savior invites all Sun Lakes residents to join in this year’s Spring Food Drive which will benefit the Chandler Food Bank. He said, “We especially look forward to helping the Food Bank in the late spring, because it enables them to store food for the summer months, when donations are at their lowest”.
“We conduct all of our food drives to make a positive impact on our community,” said Pastor Burcham. “Knowing that there are some in the Chandler area that struggle to put food on the table, while our cupboards are full is just unacceptable. We know that as individuals we can make a difference, but if we pool our resources and ask for God’s blessing, we can have a substantial impact,” he added.
Throughout the drive, the food will be displayed at the front of the sanctuary to enable everyone to see the results of working together to help others in the Chandler community. “Last year, I looked forward to arriving each Sunday morning during the drive as the amount of food placed before God’s altar grew larger and larger. What a privilege to witness the generosity of God’s people and their desire to make a difference in someone else’s life,” Pastor Burcham commented.
Rev. Burcham added, “In 2014, Risen Savior’s Spring Drive collected 3.6 tons of food, which was enough to feed over 5,000 people. Also, we received $1,000 in checks from the church, our members and many friends in Sun Lakes. All of the proceeds were forwarded directly to the Chandler Christian Community Center, the parent of the Chandler Food Bank.”
How to Donate:
Although donations of all unopened food items will be gratefully accepted, the food bank’s greatest needs are for cereal, oatmeal, peanut butter, canned fruit/vegetables/meat, canned and dry Beans, rice, pasta, tomato sauce, macaroni and cheese, juice, boxed meals, cooking oil, salt, flour, sugar, canned soup and canned milk. To donate food, enter the Risen Savior parking lot from Alma School and drive straight ahead until you see the food collection boxes on the patio directly ahead (west). The collection boxes will be emptied daily.
Pastor Burcham commented, “Last year was a banner year for Risen Savior Food Charities. Our Spring Food Drive, Thanksgiving Turkey Drive and Community Christmas Celebration collected over five tons of food that was distributed to less-fortunate Chandler residents by the Chandler Food Bank. In addition, donors contributed checks totaling $4,000 was used by the food bank to purchase additional food for inclusion in weekly emergency food boxes. I wish to relay the heartfelt thanks of Risen Savior’s congregation and staff to the countless Sun Lakes residents who joined in contributing to the success of Risen Savior’s 2014 Food Drives.”
Note: Pastor Burcham’s column appears monthly in the Religion Section of the Splash. His weekly sermons can be viewed on-line at www.rslcs.org.