Sunrise Christian Food Ministry volunteer Lori Cox shows a hefty meal available to community members during last week’s Thanksgiving turkey donation. Photo courtesy of Gabrielle Schroeder

CITRUS HEIGHTS, CA (MPG) - Over the last few weeks, Sunrise Christian Food Ministry at Advent Lutheran Church at 5901 San Juan Ave., distributed reservations/tickets for 2,000 clients to receive holiday food baskets and gift cards provided by Sacramento Food Bank and Family Services and other sources.

Reservation holders began to arrive at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, November 16 and Friday, November 17, until 1:30 p.m. A new system to regulate traffic for high volume events was developed so there would be no back-up to Greenback as experienced in 2022.  On the first day, a much larger number of clients than expected appeared at the same time creating a memorable day for food closet workers and the Citrus Heights Police Department. This year it all went smoothly. The homeless and those with no vehicle were given food following the holiday handout.

Volunteers aid Sunrise Christian Food Ministry distribution stations in providing turkeys drive-thru style to community members picking up their special Thanksgiving meal. Photo courtesy of Gabrielle Schroeder

Holiday boxes included the staples with all the traditional trimmings. The Sacramento Food Bank along with Raley’s and the Citrus Heights Grocery Outlet provided 1,500 gift cards for clients to purchase the meat of their choice or other items.

The distribution would not have been possible without the hundreds of volunteers that worked tirelessly to pull it all together.

At the end of day one all the remaining food had to be returned up the hill to the food closet and returned down to the parking lot the next day. Volunteers are always ready to do whatever is needed at any time.

Pastor Gabrielle (Gabi) Schroeder of Advent Lutheran said of the work of the ministry, “We receive more by serving than we give. We are thrilled that our church facilities are used as much during the week as they are on Sundays.”

Working behind the scenes, Jeff, DeDe, Heather, Robert, Lena and Donna, gave many hours doing what they love helping others. Photo by Elise Spleiss

Food Ministry Director April Jacek said in an email, “The food distribution was also made possible by donations generously provided by Raley’s, our locally owned and operated Grocery Outlet of Citrus Heights as well as other supporters of the food closet including Advent Lutheran Church, Ascension Lutheran Church, Carmichael Kiwanis, Harding San Juan Masonic Lodge, CGI Northwest, California American Water, Cricket Wireless and Sunrise Marketplace.

Over 35 volunteers attended to over 2,000 registered ticket holders and others who arrived over Thursday and Friday to pick up their special Thanksgiving food and other goodies. Photo by Elise Spleiss

Jacek announced a new partnership with Cricket Wireless to “connect our families to low cost and in some cases no cost cell service” to help them communicate with those necessary to help provide for their families. Their bright green tent will be onsite monthly during the new year.

Nellie, a Cricket volunteer, said the employees are always looking for different ways to volunteer in their community. This is their second year at the food closet Thanksgiving food distribution event.