Rosemary Douglas
The Tri-Community Food Bank (TCFB), in Mammoth, received donations from two important Food Drives during the last couple of months. These donations make it possible to keep the Food Bank open, and enable us to continue to feed our neighbors in southeast Pinal County.
In February, Epic Rides held their annual “24 Hours in the Old Pueblo” mountain bike event. A total of 9,900 pounds of food was collected at the event, and donated to TCFB.
Once the food was received into our warehouse, several members of SaddleBrooke Rotary spent hours sorting the donated food for more efficient storage. This effort was critical as we prepared to receive additional food donations from the upcoming SaddleBrooke Community Outreach (SBCO) Food Drive. We are very grateful to Epic Rides and the SaddleBrooke Rotary for their generous donations of goods and labor.
In March, the annual SBCO Food Drive took place. Months of planning resulted in a well-run and efficient food drive that was a resounding success! Over 130 volunteers worked to receive, sort, pack, and deliver 18,000 pounds of food and hygiene items to the Food Bank, and to collect and process monetary donations totaling more than $134,000. The food donations will ensure that our customers have a wide variety of healthy nonperishable food options and hygiene items in the months to come. Monetary donations will be used to purchase supplemental food items, such as perishable high–quality proteins.
Once again, SaddleBrooke and SaddleBrooke Ranch residents have shown their remarkable generosity. We are very thankful to them and to SBCO, the Food Drive Committee members, and the many volunteers who gave of their time and talents. It was a wonderful community effort.
The Tri-Community Food Bank has always been an all-volunteer organization, spending 0% for administration costs. We need ongoing and substitute volunteers, especially during the summer months. To volunteer, please call the Food Bank at 520-487-2010 during business hours. The TCFB is located at 108 Redwood Rd., in Mammoth, and is open five days a week (Monday through Thursday and Saturday) from 9 a.m. to noon. We serve the communities of Oracle, San Manuel, Mammoth, and Dudleyville. We are an IRS 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation and an Arizona Qualifying Charitable Organization.