Desert Messenger

January 21, 2015 www.DesertMessenger.com 9 585 N. Central Quartzsite Open Mon-Fri 8-5 928-927-8787 Johnny DelPino, Owner BEST AUTO RV & TRUCK REPAIR SERVICE YOU CAN DEPEND ON! We sell U-HAUL BOXES JANUARY 28 TH THRU FEBURARY 25 TH Find us at Desert Gardens Show Grounds 1055 Keuhn- Next to the "Water Tower" ANDIAMO WOOD FIRED PIZZA & Outdoor Bistro STOP BY AND TASTE THE BEST PIZZA IN TOWN! Check us out on Facebook! SPECIALIZING IN GOURMET WOOD-FIRED PIZZA SERVING COLD BEVERAGES JANUARY 16 TH -26 TH Featured at "The Big Tent" RV Show Call 303-974-0255 to Order & Pick-Up By Frank Oulman Have you ever wondered how the Food Bank works? Sure, you know that people donate food and that the government sends food to the Food Bank, but that's not what really makes it work. In the Quartzsite Food Bank it's the people who take in the donated food, separate the items and box them so the beans are in one place, spaghetti in another, lettuce in the cooler, etc. that make it work. It's the people who take the government issued bags and place them in "set up boxes" and add to those boxes what's available from the shelves, the cooler, or the freezer. There are the people who work in the front offi ce to fi ll out the govern- ment required paperwork and who accommodate those making requests for food. There are people who work behind the counter who lift the boxes to the windows, and who add the per- ishables to the boxes, so each recipi- ent gets as much as is available before it spoils. Then there are people who assist those who can't carry their food to their car, bicycle, or other form of transportation. There are people who make deliveries, as this Food Bank also serves the home bound of Quartzsite, the communities of Bouse, Ehrenburg, and Cibola. And, of course, there is someone who cleans up, so that the Food Bank's facility is safe and clean. Finally, there is the person who sees that all the various component parts accomplish their tasks in order to get the product to the people. It sounds like there many people work- ing at the Quartzsite Food Bank, but there aren't. This is accomplished with 13 non-paid regular volunteers, give or take a couple, whose average age is 61. This average is drastically reduced because the Food Bank regularly is blessed with the aid of two young men with muscle and great attitudes, Elders from the Mormon Church, without whom, the Food Bank would be severely hurting. The majority of the volunteers do so to "give to the Quartzsite community", but 2-3 are also clients, who feel a need to "give back for what they receive". All the older volunteers have health issues, but for the most part it's not obvious. Heart attacks, strokes, back injuries, shoulder injuries, etc, have not slowed them down (too much). Admittedly, life's affl ictions are taking their toll. In a more perfect world, more people who fi nd themselves in need of receiv- ing this Food Bank's assistance, would feel that need to "give back for what they receive". The Quartzsite Food Bank has a need, not for more in- fi rmed, but for healthier, and stronger people. Age or sex isn't a factor here, nor is income level or education. All that is really important is trustwor- thiness , a willingness to work, an eagerness to help others and make a difference in their lives, and a friendly disposition. Hygiene is also important. If you read this and are on the Food Bank's recipient list, consider volun- teering. You won't receive more food, but you will get a sense of satisfaction that you're helping someone who is also in your position. When you go to the Quartzsite Food Bank to make a food donation, also consider giving of your time. Perhaps it's only once a week for a couple of hours, or once a month for a couple of hours. The Quartzsite Food Bank is only open from 8am-noon Tues- days and Thursdays, with warehouse workers coming in around 6:30- 7am, and they'd all greatly appreciate another helping hand. If you couldn't dependably come each day of opera- tion, schedule some time each month. These current workers won't be here to work forever. Additional volunteers are needed to replace those who no longer are able. In fact, the volun- teer pool is now operating at one of it's lowest points for any winter. The Quartzsite Food Bank is really a nice working environment. Gossip, politics and religion discussions are taboo, and everyone's goal is to feed the hungry. Have you wondered? If you don't know where the Quartzsite Food Bank is, it's at 40 North Moon Mountain Road, just north of the Se- nior Citizens' Center. And if you see yourself able to vol- unteer, come on down during busi- ness hours, see Carol Kelley, the Food Bank's Director, and share your ability to make a difference in this community. Frank Oulman Quartzsite Food Bank Volunteer DEADLINE : WED. JAN 28 TH for FEB. 4 TH edition Desert Messenger Email: editor@DesertMessenger.com 928-916-4235 www.DesertMessenger.com

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