FAIR OAKS/ORANGEVALE, CA (MPG) - I’ll get right to the point – people in the Kiwanis Club of Orangevale – Fair Oaks area desperately need your food and monetary donations now!

There have been many community organizations that have been working hard to supply the

Fair Oaks/Orangevale Food Bank with much needed food items and cash donations.  Keith Wright, Executive Director of the Food Bank explained that, “the individuals we serve on a monthly basis have gone from 1,200 people a month to over 2,500!”

This is why your Kiwanis Club is joining the long list of community supporters and will sponsor a “food drive-by” on Saturday, June 27, 2020 from 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon. We will be joined by Assemblyman Kevin Kiley, who represents the 6^th California District, and Supervisor Sue Frost who represents the 4^th District, Sacramento County, and both represent the Orangevale area.  They will be part of the volunteer crew, and in this case, handing over money to them, will be a huge benefit to our community!!

I recently visited the Fair Oaks/Orangevale Food Bank, and Keith mentioned, it takes “a team of people to accomplish our mission.”  I also met Andy, one of the many volunteers who said, “my feet hurt, but it’s a good hurt.”  He had previously visited the food bank and was so impressed that he decided to start volunteering.  He excitedly exclaimed that “I was overweight and had diabetes.  I decided to volunteer my time and service and lost 70 pounds.  It truly saved my life!” If Andy and so many others can contribute to the cause, then I am guessing that many of us can give a little of our time to such a worthwhile organization.

The Fair Oaks/Orangevale Food Bank has been in operation since 2011.  If you’ve never had the chance to visit it, I would encourage you to check it out.  You will meet people who “have hearts that are contagious,” said Keith. He also said that right now the amount of food “leaving the premises is equal to the amount being donated.”  I asked him to elaborate and he said, “I am concerned that we will not get enough food donated and I believe the demand will actually increase in the future.”  He bases this on the fact that when society returns to “normal” household expenses will have to be met and people will realize there still are shortages one of those shortages may be food.  “I think we will see people who have never needed help visiting our food closet.”

Some facts:  1 out of 7 Californians experiences food insecurity; 1 in 4 children in California goes to bed hungry each night.  Only $25.00 will feed a family for one week and $100.00 will feed a family for one month according to the Fair Oaks/Orangevale Food Bank informational brochure.  I am personally appealing to those who are able to donate at least $25.00 of their Economic Impact Payment (stimulus money).  I would like to say a heartfelt “Thank You” to East Lawn Memorial Park for donating $200.00 towards the efforts of Kiwanis in support of the Orangevale Food Bank!

Kiwanis members continue to do our part; we look forward to seeing many people “drive-by” and drop off food and/ or monetary donations at the Fair Oaks/Orangevale Food Bank on Saturday, June 27, 2020 from 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon.  Nothing feels better than helping others!

When we can once again gather together – I urge you to come and visit Kiwanis at El Gallo Mexican Restaurant, located at 11773 Fair Oaks Blvd., on the 2nd Tuesday of every month.  Meetings begin at 6:30 pm.  We also have social gatherings on the 4^th Tuesday of every month (the location varies).  Find us at facebook.com/KiwanisclubofOFO or email us for more information at [email protected].

Sal Arrigo, Jr., is the president of the Kiwanis Club of Orangevale – Fair Oaks.  The Kiwanis Corner is published monthly.