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Helpers: Seated: Nancy and Nellie, area resident Standing, L-R: Karen Stott, Paula Morgan, Terri Kunz (SBCO volunteers)
For a second year, SaddleBrooke Community Outreach hosted a food program for youngsters in the Mammoth area who would be eligible for a national free food program, not offered in the summer when school is closed. Working closely with Basha’s Supermarket in Catalina, chairperson Paula Morgan and her close committee of Terri Kunz, Bob Kunz and Frank Morgan selected a variety of nourishing, non-perishable items suitable for breakfasts and lunches.
Many SBCO volunteers helped transport the food to Kids’ Closet in Mammoth, and sort it into bags for the kids to take home. Area residents Nancy and Nellie were on hand to greet the families, interpret as needed, and even make a few necessary phone calls.
On the final day of the program, 57 bags of food were distributed, and “bonus items” (additional packages of food) were available on a first-come-first-served basis. Everyone who attended expressed interest in returning next summer. (One organizer was also pleased to see a youngster select Ramen Noodles over cookies as a bonus item!)
In total, 149 bags of food were given to children on three separate Saturdays over a six-week period. Each bag was intended to supply food for two weeks, and when kids returned with their empty bags they were exchanged for another fully packed sack. Smiles and thank yous were abundant.
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