Ellen Engel
Since monthly contribution totals for food and funds in May were not available prior to deadline for this edition, we at Reach Out Sun Lakes want you to know that we are constantly in search of willing volunteers both to schedule regular donations of staple foodstuffs and to help with our physical efforts on behalf of the Matthew’s Crossing Food Bank of Chandler, particularly people to handle the regular collections each month (see below) and to transport collected donations to the food bank itself.
First of all, 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 from all over Sun Lakes at the two club-sponsored pickup points.
The Sun Lakes Duplicate Bridge Club pickup takes place in the parking lot at the Risen Savior Lutheran Church on Alma School Road from 12:45-1:20 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. in the parking lot of 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 all normal business hours at the SLCC clubhouse for people who cannot make their drop-offs at the regular time(s).
Reach Out Sun Lakes volunteers spend several hours a month helping to receive the collections at our donation locations and assisting with other simple tasks related to delivery to the food bank and program bookkeeping.
Also, volunteers may donate some time to work on-site at the food bank, since Matthew’s Crossing, located at 1368 Arizona Avenue (Unit 112) in Chandler, also needs help on a regular basis. If you are interested, please call 857-2296 or e-mail [email protected] and join the many Sun Lakers who already donate time and effort.
For information about arranging for your organization’s support of this worthwhile program or for information about Reach Out Sun Lakes please contact Ellen Engel at 480-802-0425; e-mail her at [email protected].
Again, thank you, Sun Lakes and please keep up the good work!