C.A.R.E. – Community Action Resources of Escalon
This is a “community” program run by “community” volunteers for our “community” residents that is overseen by the Escalon Ministerial Association. In our current economic time the increasing people in need and the decreasing ability to provide for them are stretching these programs. We only need to look to those being served to see that “there but by the grace of God go I”.
Chris Larson and his staff of weekly volunteers handle this task smoothly and with compassion. These people pick up food with their own vehicles, pack food bags, help people carry the food bags out, organize donations for distribution and clean the center. The Escalon Ministerial Association pays the monthly rent at the facility that is at 1531 2nd Street. This allows monetary donations to go directly to purchases for the program.
The Organization oversees the following three programs:
1. Weekly emergency Supplemental Food
Each Wednesday at 10:00 am the program is open to residents of Escalon and Farmington who need food and whose income meets the Federal Poverty level. A bag of food is provided free, one for each household.
2. Senior Brown Bag
Every second and fourth Tuesday starting at 8:00 am seniors over 60 years can get a bag of food. The cost is $12.00 yearly, paid in November. This was designed for people on a fixed income and has no special requirements.
3. Federal Government Commodities Program
On the Third Thursday of each month at 8:00 am distribution of Government Commodities to households who self-certify that they meet the Federal Guidelines takes place.
Items in Need:
- Volunteer with pickup to go to Stockton every six weeks to pick up food at the food bank.
- Spanish speaking substitutes on Wednesdays from 8am to 10:30 am to help with translation and directions.
- “Paper Bags” There is an on going need for 150-200 bags weekly. If you could have you groceries bagged in the paper bags and bring them in on Sunday we will collect them and make sure they get to Chris.
Donation of food can be made by contacting 838-3831 if you are unable to be there at the above times. They must be unopened and usually not perishable or home made. They do accept fresh homegrown produce in season.
Donation Sunday:
The Deacons would like to ask all of our Escalon Presbyterian Church Family to be part of this wonderful and giving organization. We would like to make the first Sunday of each month our C.A.R.E. Donation Sunday and bring one item per family (or family member) to drop in our Donation Can. If you would like to donate weekly that would be even better. I will be giving you updates through out the year on this valuable “community” charity organization.
Thank you
Dave Hall – Deacon
