Desert Messenger

30 www.DesertMessenger.com Quartzsite Food Bank tidbits Submitted by Art Piper To Quartzsite residents and visitors, Hello! I'm writing today to ask you a question. It's a simple one that most people can answer, but that few people really comprehend. Does Quartzsite have a Food Bank? The simple answer is "yes"; but that's not all. In Paul Harvey's words, "There's more to the story." You should know that the Quartzsite Food Bank is mainly in existence because of the tremendous efforts of Carol Kelley. Since its conception, she has fought the government bureaucracies tirelessly for space, food, transportation, utilities and help. Her passionate actions have resulted in this organization's ability to aid over 500 local individuals, financially impoverished and medically constrained elderly who receive minimal dietary assistance monthly. Much of what is received at the Food Bank comes from Yuma, and the US Government's food assistance programs that receive overages in production that may soon be inedible, produce that farmers or warehoused deem non-sellable, or mild products that are purchased by the government through their subsidy programs. What, years ago arrived in Quartzsite regularly from the government tractor/trailer container, now comes infrequently in smaller shipments. More and more the burden of supply is turning to donations by Quartzsite residents themselves. Thankfully, there are members of various churches, businesses, and organizations who, along with individuals, support this program. I've heard some folks state that this program is a waste and that many freeloaders, who don't deserve free food, are receiving it. Let me dispel that idea. The truth is, people need to sign up to be in the program, and there is a process that checks their eligibility. They are in a shared computer with other Food Banks, so people can't just migrate from one Food Bank to another to increase their amount of food. People who are found to abuse the system are disqualified from the program. Also disqualified are people who sell their allotment, or people who lie about their situation in order to be in the program, or people who abuse their privilege in Party yourself into shape! Zumba Gold & Toning in Quartzsite Come join the fun now! Buy Sell Trade Monday, Wednesday and Friday 8am & 9 a.m. at the Community Center 515-418-0442 Headhunters II "The Best Little Hairhouse" in Quartzsite! NOW OPEN IN NEW LOCATION! 395 N. CENTRAL (Hwy. 95) Quartzsite Stylists: Wilma, Lonnie & Lois Cuts - Styles - Perms Colors Walk-ins- Early Appointments any other unacceptable manner. There are checks and balances, and they are employed regularly. Of course, there are still some people who abuse the system, but they are in the smallest of minorities. The greatest number of recipients are permanent residents who are elderly, unable to travel, unable to totally care for themselves, have nothing but a meager income, and have no assets. This program doesn't provide anywhere near the total food requirements of these people, but it does give them a bit of nourishment each month. Please note: this program doesn't work by itself or with just the tremendous efforts of Carol Kelley. She puts in countless hours that most people would find difficult to keep up with, and it's a constant balance of time for her, noting what's in inventory and what needs to go out so people can receive food. She also deals with the mountains of paperwork that's required when dealing with the government and the constant flow of applications for people with special needs, children, elderly, destitute and the ill. No, she's not alone. There are a number of volunteers who come from all walks of life to the Food Bank in support of this program. The ranks are made up of church representatives, organizations, and individuals. Some individuals are even clients of the Food Bank, who want to give back for what they receive. "Where getting your hair done is fun!" 928-927-3543 Willow Creek Traders WE'RE BACK! Herb's Hats Quality Used BOOKS! Antiques & Collectibles Trade BEADS • Leather Goods Handmade Knives ~ Rendezvous Goods ~ Quartzsite Marketplace 50 E. Kuehn #22 Next to Bad Boys Cafe 208-431-0111 January 1, 2014 On Tuesdays and Thursdays, while the Food Bank is open, these people unload the trucks and cars fo those who come with food, people who sort the donations and move the piles, people who fill the boxes and bags, people who staff the disbursement window, people who aid with carry out, people who deliver to the homebound, and people who direct the inflow of clients. Many of these people come regularly and many have been with Carol over many of the years this Food Bank has been in operation. Pure muscle power and will! Carol and her associates also have something else in common. They are all Volunteers! Not one person receives anything except the "Thank you's" received from grateful recipients. There is the occasional irrational and belligerent client who comes to the Food Bank, but the grief they give is short lived. The Volunteers know that some folks have bad days, others are perpetually angry, and some are ill. But again, these people are a scarcity. It's really amazing how dedicated and kind spirited these Volunteers remain. And so now I hope you understand more about the Quartzsite Food Bank, and I hope that when someone asks you that question, "Does Quartzsite have a Food Bank," you now will not only say, "Yes" but that you'll add, "and it's really a well-run and valuable asset of the town of Quartzsite!" And if you have it in your heart to make a donation, know that it will be well received, both at the door of the Food Bank and by the needy recipients, where it is greatly needed and appreciated. The Food Bank is located on Moon Mountain Ave. one block north of the Senior Center. Open Tues & Thurs. 8am-1pm. 928-927-3663 BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY Quartzsite Showgrounds for sale! All or Part Call George for more information 626-922-1258

• Cover