Ellen Engel
Here are the May (and late April) results for recent food and funds collections by Reach Out Sun Lakes on behalf of the Matthew’s Crossing Food Bank. On May 1, at the collections sponsored by the Sun Lakes Duplicate Bridge Club and Unity of Sun Lakes, generous Sun Lakes residents contributed a combined total of 21 pounds of food and $480 in cash. On the 8th, at the collection sponsored by the Sun Lakes Democratic Club, we garnered 70 pounds of staple foods and $80 in cash. Food pickups from the collection barrel in the Sun Lakes Country Club (SLCC) totaled 519 pounds of staple goods. The Sun Lakes Jewish Community regularly donates later in the month, but a pickup in late April yielded 71 pounds of food, raising the May total to 680 pounds. Good work, everyone!
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 p.m. to 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 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on the second Monday of the month at SLCC). 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 and is becoming a month-long favorite site for food donors throughout Sun Lakes. In fact, the barrel fills several times a month.
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, 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].