Ellen Engel
Because of a deadline conflict last month, we did not report on our progress in collecting Reach Out Sun Lakes donations of food and cash, so here are the aggregate results for the two-month period covering August and September.
Combined food donations (staple goods) totaled 538 pounds, and cash contributions (used by Matthew’s Crossing Food Bank to purchase fresh fruits, vegetables, eggs and other perishables) were $538 Yes, those figures are identical – just a coincidence, but a very happy one!
Annual totals so far in 2018 show food donations of 2,608 pounds — well over a ton — and cash donations of $3,655.
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, 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).
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.
Reach Out Sun Lakes, now well into its 10th year of service to The Matthew’s Crossing Food Bank, is always actively seeking additional volunteers to spend several hours a month helping to handle collections at our donation points and performing tasks related to deliveries to the food bank, bookkeeping, etc. And as one might expect, this need increases each year at summer’s end when our winter residents return.
The food bank itself, located at 1368 Arizona Avenue in Chandler, also 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 480-802-0425 or email [email protected].