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Main St. Quartzsite Open Tues. thru Sat. 9-3 928-927-4223 March Special 50% OFF By Frank Oulman While volunteering at the Quartzsite Food Bank, I started to notice that people in this town really fall into two groups; those who have control of their lives, and those who don't. Those of us who are fortunate can relax because most everything fell into place, espe- cially in retirement, but through mak- ing bad decisions, personal disaster, misplaced trust, or just circumstances beyond their control, others fi nd themselves in a downward spiraling situation. Working in this Food Bank gives one the opportunity to see the extremes. It is my contention that 99% of those utilizing the Quartzsite Food Bank are in true need. They are self-conscious and embarrassed to be in this position of having to accept aid, and they are appreciative for the assistance. It's not like in the big cities where the volume of people served are unknown and you have the abusers who have fi gured out all the angles for getting freebies, just as their parents and grandparents did. The people using the Food Bank in Quartzsite are generally known to all and in real need. These folks aren't the grubby, unkempt, youngsters in dreadlocks, who hang around the fast food shops with their dogs and musi- cal instruments. They are often house bound, elderly, and lonely, with real medical conditions, no income, and helpless. But for their circumstances, they could be your mother, father, grandmother, or grandfather, and in some cases, your children. Once a month these folks receive a basket of food. Those who have transportation and ambulate, come by an assortment of vehicles or walk. To others, we deliver. And what do they receive? As much as the operation depends on donations, that box of food can be varied in size. Luckily, in Janu- ary, February, and March, overage from the fi elds is received, and then the Food Bank gets produce. At that time, our clients may take as much as they can use. Unfortunately, some of what we receive has been held too long in a warehouse and goes bad before we have a chance to use it all up. But for recipients of the food boxes, this extra nourishment is a blessing. You see, what they usually get is rather monotonous. A sample box may contain a can of green beans, a can of corn, a can of soup, a small bag of wheat pasta, a can of spaghetti sauce, a box of cereal, perhaps a small box of macaroni and cheese, a loaf of bread, 6 eggs, and maybe a can of fruit. Sometimes we run out of one item and we try to substitute something similar. Very seldom do these folks get meat. Sometimes it's a can of Salmon or Tuna fi sh, and lately we've had a bit of frozen pork, beef, or chicken. Some- times it's potted meat. This generally only occurs about 3 times a year. We try to make special boxes for a few Holidays. On Christmas and Thanksgiving we try to provide small canned hams, yams, mashed pota- toes, and cranberry sauce, but that all depends on the donations. If there are children in the family, we also look for special foods the children may need or enjoy. We make every attempt of keeping a little baby food on hand as some of the needy have infants. What's encouraging is some of the people receiving aid are able to make their way out of this situation. Some even show their appreciation by volunteering to work at the Food Bank. However, for the elderly, ailing, or handicapped, there is no way out. The curse of Quartzsite is that there is a lack of opportunity for the majority to break whatever chains are hold- ing them down, and the Food Bank is a lifeline for them, regardless of the amount of aid it can bring. To those of you not counting on the Food Bank for survival, be thankful for what you have. Think of what it would be like if, for some quirk in life, you needed aid. How would you react and what would you like to see available? Is that extra cash in your bank or wallet really important to your existence or would you like to feel you did something really good by donating some part of it to the Food Bank so someone in need could go to bed one or two nights a month not hungry. If you wish, you could even go so far as to give a monthly amount to the Food Bank via a direct deposit to HCB Bank. The Friends of the Quartzsite Food Bank has an account there and is in the process of receiv- ing it's 501c3 non-profi t status so it would be a tax deductible donation. And when you're planning what's to be done with all your accumulated wealth at the time of your passing, think of the Food Bank. It's really a worthy cause and giving to it could be part of your legacy to the community. There is one other important issue to bring up. As the age of our volun- teers is well above 65, we're trying to interest residents who are younger to join us. Working in the Food Bank doesn't require much more than a willingness to pitch in, and there are no fi xed worked schedules. We need help, though, especially from young- er, strong bodies. I hope when you have fi nished reading this you have a good under- standing how this Food Bank is a bit different from others you may have heard about or come in contact with. I also hope you fi nd yourself sympa- thetic to the plight of our Food Bank and its clients and make a conscious decision to support us. We always have our arms open to new members who wish to be part of the Friends of the Quartzsite Food Bank. Thank you, Frank Oulman Volunteer, Quartzsite Food Bank