Individuals and group volunteers overcame COVID-19 challenges to continue support for PFS participants with a variety of caring projects.
The response of volunteers to the increased level of food insecurity experienced by our neighbors continues to be outstanding. From March to December 2020, donations of meal and pantry boxes poured in with an impressive amount of more than 16,145 meal boxes. Donations of non-perishable, pre-cooked meals, and Thanksgiving dinners supplemented the food distribution from Second Harvest Food Bank for PFS participants. Highlights have included donations of meals from: twelve-year-old Tessa, Foothill Auxiliary (FAPFS), Hillsborough Auxiliary (HAPFS), the Hiralal family, Mom’s Against Poverty (MAP), Maktab Tarighat Oveyssi (MTO), and Peninsula Food Runners.
See Tessa’s efforts here: https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/palo-alto-girl-distributesitalian-dinner-kits-for-families-in-need/2397137/
The end of a difficult year was made brighter for children with gifts from the Cool School, the Damp family, Theresa Myers, Jennifer Taich and the community (advertising agency), the Weber family, and Board Member, Megan Winters. The Design Tech Club at Aragon High School made 3D printed toys for our Leo J. Ryan Club students. Older adults at Fair Oaks Adult Activity Center received gifts from their wish lists provided by the Foothill Auxiliary. Enterprise Holdings provided several families with gifts from their wish lists, as well as holiday goodies.
We are grateful to our Auxiliaries and the National Charity League, Crystal Springs Chapter (NCL) for showing their love by giving Valentine’s Day cards and gift bags to four early learning sites and to older adults. PFS teachers continue to be appreciated by: Diane Kounalakis and Kari Rousakis; NCL; and Project Glimmer. Older adults have been cared for through phone calls and “Best Wishes” cards from HAPFS, Board Member Linda Jansen, and NCL. PFS was thrilled to distribute volunteer donations including blankets, homeschool activities, hygiene kits, and backpacks for the children we support.
Thank you again to all volunteers for your continued help and contribution as PFS works to stabilize the community during these unprecedented times!