Ellen Engel

Here are the results for the February food collection. On Monday, February 1 at the collection sponsored by the Sun Lakes Duplicate Bridge Club, generous Sun Lakes residents contributed 137 pounds of food and $305 in cash. On the 8th at the collection sponsored by the Sun Lakes Democratic Club, we garnered 232 pounds of staple foods and $205 in cash. Unity of Sun Lakes tallied 40 pounds of food and $137, for a total of 409 pounds of staple goods and $462 in cash, each dollar of which will purchase meals for four people. The Sun Lakes Jewish Community regularly donates later in the month.

Contributed dollars are used to pay for basic foods 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 (12:30-1:20 p.m. on the first Monday of each month at Risen Savior Lutheran Church on Alma School Road) and the Sun Lakes Democratic Club (6:30-7:00 p.m. on the second Monday of the month at the Sun Lakes Country Club [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.

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.

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].