(November 26, 2013) -- Sure, you’ve got lots to do before you set the table for the big feast on Thursday.
But while you’re making your final to-do list, make sure you include some giving for Thanksgiving.
South Bay Credit Union of Redondo Beach annually collects food with a local charity. This year, SBCU has partnered with Shared Bread, a non-profit community organization that relies solely on the donations of volunteers. Shared Bread provides a warm, cooked meal each Wednesday evening; warm clothing; hygiene items; professional counseling for employment and detox referrals; and food pantry distribution.
Jennifer Oliver, CEO/President of SBCU, says, “Being a drop off point for the food drive in November and our toy drive in December is one way of giving thanks to our community. We know our members want to help, too.”
Oliver notes that Shared Bread suggests donations of 10-pound cans of vegetables (green beans, corn, peas, refried beans or tomatoes); canned fruit (fruit cocktail, peaches, pears or pineapple); entrees of pasta sauce, beef soups or chili; salad dressings and mayonnaise; powdered drink mixes and sugar and dry creamer.
“There’s also need for warm clothing and blankets,” Oliver says. “And hygiene products such as travel size deodorant, soap, shampoo and washcloths, toothbrushes and toothpaste. Just think of everything you use during that day that a person in need doesn’t have access to.”
SBCU members and others can bring their donations to either of its branches. Oliver says the goal is to collect enough to help feed 500 families this Thanksgiving. “Our members are so generous,” exclaims Oliver. ”We’ve received so many donations; the bags are lined up along the hall! We sure have a lot to be thankful for.”