By Mary O’KEEFE

The Bailey Center food bank at the Tujunga United Methodist Church continues supporting those in need and continues looking for donations and volunteers.

For years The Bailey Human Care Center has supported the community. The program offered is a free community outreach service of the Tujunga United Methodist Church and has been providing services to the community since 1981.

The Center’s program feeds hundreds of families and individuals on Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.; however, to say these volunteers only work on that one day of the week to help others is an understatement.

Volunteers gather donated food, clothes and other items throughout the week. They separate the items into bags that are then disbursed to the ever-growing population of those in need. And they have seen the need increase every week.

Volunteers like Loretta Cole have been working with the Center for years. They have seen many unhoused individuals and families who had suffered a tragedy, like the loss of a head of household or those who had lost their jobs. In addition volunteers have seen seniors who simply could not make it on their Social Security benefits or pensions, according to a previous CVW article.

However, during the pandemic the need for assistance grew at an unprecedented rate. The Center went from serving about 300 individuals to about 1,000 every week. Even after COVID-19 restrictions were lifted, Bailey Center volunteers did not see the need return to pre-pandemic numbers. The need has remained at elevated levels.

Although many people have returned to work they are still struggling with food insecurity. Reasons are varied and include the rising cost of groceries. Some families have to make the difficult decisions of paying their bills or their rent or purchasing medication above buying groceries. The Bailey Center tries to make life a little easier for those families and individuals.

In addition, the Center has clothes volunteers collect and then share with those in need. Some of those who come to the Bailey Center for food or other items are there for the first time in their lives. The volunteers at the Bailey Center know many of those who come to them on Wednesdays, and even those who are there for the first time are treated with respect and understanding.

The Bailey Center continues to collect donations of non-perishable food items, including canned goods. Pasta and spaghetti sauce are always in need. Other items like diapers, paper towels and toilet paper are also in demand.

In addition, volunteers are looking for men’s and children’s clothing. The Center is also always looking for volunteers.

For more information or to volunteer visit https://www.tujungachurch.com.

Anyone who would like to donate can do so by bringing donations to the Bailey Center at 9901 Tujunga Canyon Blvd. in Tujunga. Volunteers are there to receive donations on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Items can also be dropped off at the CVW office, 3800 La Crescenta Ave. #206, La Crescenta/Glendale. Donors can call the office at (818) 248-2740 during regular office hours (M-F, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) to be directed where to drop off donations.

Anyone who is dealing with food insecurity can go to the Bailey Center on Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.