Volunteers organizing food donations (photo by Edie Crall)
Donna Pedota
It is time to prepare for Fueling the Future again this year—it is our 5th year! SaddleBrooke Ranch, along with SaddleBrooke and Oracle volunteers are working together providing much needed food over winter break to students at Mountain Vista School in Oracle. Fueling the Future began and is continuing as a grassroots effort to support students at Mountain Vista School. Many Mountain Vista students rely upon school breakfasts and lunches, which are not available during the 15 days of winter break and many may suffer from food insecurity. In each of the past four years, Fueling the Future has provided nonperishable and fresh food for over 75 students and families.
How to help here at the Ranch? We are collecting nonperishable foods. Suggested donations are peanut butter, jelly, cereal, pasta/sauce, mac & cheese, dry rice, soups, applesauce, juice boxes/bottles, dessert mixes, boxed potatoes, canned fruit, cookies, canned vegetables, crackers, breakfast bars, canned beans, canned tuna, and canned chicken, but all nonperishable foods are accepted. Alternatively, you can make a tax-deductible monetary deduction payable to “Oracle Community Center,” a 501(c)(3) organization. We use that money to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables.
We start collection the day after Thanksgiving (Friday, Nov. 29) through Friday, Dec. 13. Distribution is Dec. 19, which is the final day of school. Members of the National Junior Honor Society work to sort, bag, and distribute the food—we are proud of their efforts and willingness to assist others.
We have four drop points this year (in the foyer of the homes) for food and checks:
* Dale Farland Unit 2—32094 Agarita Drive (between Arroyo Vista and Arroyo Grande)
* Gail and Tom Fraioli Unit 18—30808 S. Greenstone Drive
* Donna Pedota Unit 8—31630 S. Summerwind Drive
* Pickleball Ramada—monitored by Gail and Tom Fraioli
We thank you in advance for your generosity and are appreciative of your help!