This week we had an unexpected donation of canned goods for the AUMC Food Pantry. Second Harvest contacted us on Friday, January 15th, to see if we could receive a large donation of canned goods from a nearby Hindu Mandir, a temple. We, of course, said yes, as our community continues to face growing food insecurity along with many other financial crises due to the ongoing pandemic.
Lee Strohm began making the necessary calls to arrange for this delivery. We settled on Sunday, January 17th.
Senator Josh Newman and his staff connected Mehul Patel from BAPS Charities and Lee Strohm from Anaheim United Methodist Church.
Together with Senator Newman, Nathan Bass (a member of the senator’s staff), BAPS members, and AUMC volunteers, we unload the donation. We had the opportunity to share our gratitude with Mr. Patel from BAPS. We hope to cultivate this new relationship. Senator Newman inquired about the needs the community we serve are facing. Lee shared that many of the guests we serve are working but getting very few hours. Senator Newman said that the pandemic would be felt for a long time.
Thank you again to Senator Newman, Nathan Bass, Mehul Patel, and volunteers (from BAPS), Michelle Pichardo (Second Harvest), Dillon Cromwell (Second Harvest) for your work to help those facing food insecurity. Thank you to our AUMC volunteers (Kayla Lucero, Nancy Cromer, Andrew Cromer, Kathy Ramsey, Lee Strohm, and John Duff) who came on short notice to lend a hand and share their thoughts with those involved in this much-needed and unexpected donation.
AUMC’s Hunger Ministry would not be able to serve our community without support and donations like this. Our most sincere gratitude to Second Harvest, BAPS Charities, and Senator Josh Newman.
If you would like to learn more about:
- BAPS Charities or the Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, please click here.
- Second Harvest Food Bank of OC, please click here.
- Senator Josh Newman and his legislative priorities, please click here.
Please enjoy some photos from the event.
Also if you know anyone facing food insecurity, please direct them to our distribution on Thursdays. We ask that they sign up online if possible so that we can be prepared for their visit. Here is where they can register.
