Ellen Engel

Reach Out Sun Lakes started collecting for Matthew’s Crossing at the beginning of 2008, and we have continued for 15 years. We have had many volunteers over the years, and we are so grateful for their support.

Many new things are happening at Matthew’s Crossing Food Bank (MCFB). With our donations and many other groups, they are able to increase the work they do. Now they are able to provide emergency food boxes to 6,000 people per month. About 1,500 children are on MCFB school meal programs each week of the school year. In 2021, many individuals sought hunger relief through all of their emergency food assistance programs. Since initiating the Senior Doorstep Delivery Program, Matthew’s Crossing has been able to provide emergency food assistance for our neighbors in need by going to them when they’re unable to come to the food bank.

The year-end totals for donors are as follows: Sun Lakes Duplicate Bridge Club 330.5 pounds of food and $1,209, Unity of Sun Lakes 109.5 pounds of food and $2,020, and the Sun Lakes Country Club box 303 pounds of food. Several of our groups have still not returned to meeting in person. We look forward to their safe return in 2022. These numbers are based on six months of collection.

Membership in local clubs and congregations is not a criterion for contributing. 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 from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. on the first Tuesday of each month. A collection point is also open during normal business hours at the Sun Lakes Country Club.

The food bank itself, which is located at 1368 Arizona Avenue in Chandler, also needs volunteers on a regular basis. If this opportunity interests you, please call their volunteer coordinator at 480-857-2296.

For further information, to arrange for organizational support for this very worthwhile program, or to volunteer your own personal services, please contact Ellen Engel at 480-980-6841 or email her at [email protected].