Thank You!

By Richard White, Director of Social Services; April 12, 2010

During this economic downturn, families are turning to the Salvation Army in record numbers. Right now we are serving almost 1100 people a month in our food pantry. In the 3 years I have been here, I have never seen our pantry so low.

Last month we were day to day for food. We’d finish a day relieved that we didn’t run out of food. Then we would wonder if we had enough food for the next day.

Into that gap, stepped five angels!

In no particular order, the most recent Food Pantry Angels –

The first is a company in Glendale who prefers to keep their good deeds quiet. They called and asked if we would be willing to receive the food from their spring food drive. On a day when we were desperate for food, they gave us 10 barrels (think trash cans) of food and a sizable cash donation.

The second angel is the GUSD PTA. Special thanks to the current President Elizabeth Manasserian for organizing everything! And thanks to the PTA’s from Fremont Elementary School; Toll Middle School; Verdugo Woodlands; College View School; Glenoaks Elementary School and Glendale High School for helping fill our pantry.

Third are the local Glendale churches. There are several that bring us food on an on-going basis. Those that came at just the right moment for us last month were Salem Lutheran Church and Unity Church of the Valley.

Fourthly, I want to thank The MOMS Club of Glendale East for their food drive.

And finally, Glendale-area Curves organized a massive food drive for our pantry.

We didn’t ask any of these groups for food; they just brought it when we needed it most! It’s great to be part of a community that cares. Thanks to everyone who supports our food pantry.