Yuma Food Bank Aware of Hunger Every Day

By Pam M. Smith, The Sun, Yuma, Ariz.

Jun. 6–Today is National Hunger Awareness Day, but for the Yuma Community Food Bank, hunger awareness is every day.

“We have planned activities for the entire month of June to give the community awareness of the hunger in Yuma County,” said Nancy Tucker, food bank volunteer. “This week we’re offering our Harvest Boxes of nutritious foods for only $10 each. The boxes have a retail value of $35 to $40.”

The Yuma Community Food Bank, 2325 S. Engler Ave., will have a series of open houses to give information and tours of the facility at 5:30 p.m. June 15, 10 a.m. June 16, June 22 and 23.

People interested in the tours are asked to RSVP by calling 343-1243. Karla’s Kreations will cater the events.

Coin collection boxes are at more than 30 Yuma-area locations. Both Jiffy Lube locations are giving $1 to the food bank for each oil change made during June.

Yuma Regional Medical Center will have collection boxes in its main lobbies, said Machele Headington, director of community relations at YRMC. There are also collection boxes at the Corporate Center, 32nd Street and 4th Avenue.

The Corporate Center boxes are a better choice for the public because of parking concerns, Headington said.

“At the hospital, boxes are to encourage physicians and hospital employees to contribute to the food bank,” Headington said.

Future fundraisers include a “cut-a-thon” from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on June 26. Appointments are necessary for the special price on haircuts to benefit the food bank. Call Liz, 329-6339, at Regis Salon.

On Saturday, the food bank hosted a fundraiser at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma. Appreciation awards were given Pete and Marilyn Young.

“The event was sold out, and all the auction items were sold,” Tucker said.

The food bank is also looking for summer volunteers, Tucker said.

Pam M. Smith can be reached at psmith@yumasun.com or 539-6856.

—–

Copyright (c) 2006, The Sun, Yuma, Ariz.

Distributed by Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News.

For reprints, email tmsreprints@permissionsgroup.com, call 800-374-7985 or 847-635-6550, send a fax to 847-635-6968, or write to The Permissions Group Inc., 1247 Milwaukee Ave., Suite 303, Glenview, IL 60025, USA.