Ellen Engel presents a check for $1,245.00 to Madelyn Becker at Matthew’s Crossing.
Ellen Engel
Sun Lakes had a very special contribution to Matthew’s Crossing on January 6. “The Magic of Raymond” (Ray Texeira, a Sun Lakes resident) performed at Sun Lakes Country Club for the benefit of two charities. It was an amazing show. Matthew’s Crossing was a recipient of $1,245.00 from the benefit. We all are so delighted and thank Ray, his wife Jacque and their all-volunteer crew from Sun Lakes who made this possible. Thank you, all.
For January, combined food donations (staple goods) totaled 241 pounds, and cash contributions (used by Matthew’s Crossing Food Bank to purchase fresh fruits, vegetables, eggs and other perishables) were $232.
Annual totals in 2018 show food donations of 4128.5 pounds — well over 2 tons — and cash donations of $4861.00. Thank you, Sun Lakers, for making this possible. In the last five years, Sun Lakes residents have contributed $24,747 and 21,503 pounds of food. The people from Matthew’s Crossing are well aware of how much Sun Lakes contributes and are so very grateful.
How to donate or contribute? Any Sun Lakes resident may contribute at established pickup points sponsored by the Sun Lakes Duplicate Bridge Club and the Sun Lakes Democratic Club. Membership in these clubs is not a criterion. In fact, many individual donors show up at these 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 on the first Monday of each month from 12:30 to 1:20 p.m., and the Sun Lakes Democratic Club accepts contributions on the second Monday at 6:30 p.m. at the Sun Lakes Country Club (SLCC). If you are a member of the Unity Church of Sun Lakes or Sun Lakes Jewish Congregation, you can contribute directly with your community.
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 for people who cannot make their drop-offs at the regular time(s). This location is proving to be an increasingly important stimulus to additional giving, and our thanks continue to go out to the management of the clubhouse for their cooperation in this important activity.
The food bank is located at 1368 Arizona Avenue in Chandler and welcomes new volunteers on a regular basis. If you are interested in being of service, please call 480-857-2296 and join the many Sun Lakers who already donate time and effort at Matthew’s Crossing.
For further information, to arrange for your organization’s support of this worthwhile program or to volunteer as a collector, please contact Ellen Engel at 480-980-6841 or email [email protected].