By Mary O’KEEFE

Crescenta Valley Glendale Girl Scouts and CV High School Robotics Team 589 spent Monday at La Crescenta’s Ralph’s market gathering food to help fill the food bank at the Salvation Army in Glendale.

They were able to donate 40 cases of food in just one day of fundraising thanks to the generosity of the community and the dedication of those kids who took the time to help.

Girl Scout Troops including 7161 and 4341, and Junior Girl Scout Troops 14861, 14301 and 15741 were at the market as were their adult leaders. Members of Falkon Team 589 also staffed a booth. The volunteers not only received donations but also used personal gift cards they had received over the summer to fill an additional four cases of food.

Lynn Repath-Martos one of the organizers who wanted to thank the community for generously donating items, and in some cases cash, allowing volunteers to shop for much needed items.

All of this was done on Monday which was Martin Luther King Jr. Day and the National Day of Service.

The food was much appreciated by Rick White, director of social services at The Salvation Army Glendale. The food bank is extremely low.

“Typically during the holidays [Thanksgiving to Christmas], I get enough food donated to last into March,” White said. “This year we didn’t have enough to make it into January of this year.”

White said they did get a monetary donation that helped them buy what food was needed to help families.

“[The Girl Scout/Robotics] food drive was a huge help,” White said.

He explained the food bank is now seeing new families coming in as well as former families they hadn’t seen in a while returning.

“Generally the economy is taking a toll,” he added.

White is also seeing a change in the Salvation Army thrift stores. In the past, donations came in from middle income families and lower income families would shop.

“What seems to happen now is the middle income families are coming in for help, not donating,” he said.

Donations are still desperately needed as more and more families turn to the Salvation Army for assistance. It is best to donate non-perishable items.  Donations are most needed at the first of the week to fill the need until the weekend. The pantry is open Monday through Friday, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

If bringing a large amount it is best to call Rick White at (818) 246-5586 before.

White reminds readers that although those in need are often thought of during the holidays, people are hungry all the time and need help every day.

The Salvation Army is located at 320 W. Windsor Road in Glendale.

  Mary Okeefe