Ellen Engel
Here are the combined April and May results for food and funds collections by Reach Out Sun Lakes on behalf of the Matthew’s Crossing Food Bank. For the two months ending on May 12, at the collections sponsored by the Sun Lakes Duplicate Bridge Club, Sun Lakes Democratic Club, Unity of Sun Lakes, the Sun Lakes Jewish Community, plus the general food collection box at the Sun Lakes Country Club, generous Sun Lakes residents contributed a combined total of 729.5 pounds of nonperishable food items (see below) and $957 in cash. Good work, everyone!
Contributed dollars are used to pay for basic perishables and fresh vegetables, eggs, etc., 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 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 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.
Special thanks this month go out to John Straub who committed significant amounts of time and effort each month to making collections, delivering food and funds to Matthew’s Crossing and generally keeping good records of our success. Other commitments have caused him to leave us, but we are very grateful to have had his cooperation and honest efforts while he was with us.
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].