The Inner Workings of Your Food Bank
Winter was cold, Easter was sunny and warm, and now the snow and rain of
April and May swell our streams. As the water rises and threatens our sewer pipe and bridge, we know that, just as the seasons change, so do our shoppers. Those who remain after the ski slopes close seek jobs in the restaurants, shops, rafting and zip lines. New young folks, and not-so-young men and women arrive vying for those same jobs.Some, who made it through winter without our help, are now back seeking relief from empty shelves. One new arrival was sleeping on a bench at Kum & Go, others are setting up camp sites or living in cars and, for all practicality, are homeless. They all find their way to Loaves & Fishes quickly.
Shoppers come to know volunteers by their first names, and know they care
about each of them. Rita offers to teach one woman how to knit. Susan sent a card to a shopper who was moving away, buys can openers for the homeless, readers for those who cannot read our small signs, and she crochets baby afghans for our new moms. Beverly packages up weekly lunch leftovers for the last shoppers of the week and has a story to tell each person. Jan and Joyce let the "early birds" in to enjoy a steaming cup of coffee and a cookie as they read the local paper or socialize. Lois carefully sorts out over-ripe fruit at the end of the week for the rabbits of one shopper.
The regular volunteers wear many hats. Maria, Marcie and Jessica are the
"behind-the-scenes" prep-room volunteers who divide large quantities of products such as rice, beans, cooking oil, and coffee. As Nancy ends her morning shift, she shops for and delivers food for a family in need and two High School boys living alone. Mary Ann helps us about everywhere, assists a young man to shop for his mother when she is ill (he never takes enough for the household of 7) and generally gives everyone a welcoming smile. Nancy, Susie, Keenan, Dede, our drivers, our lunch cooks who bring our pre-cooked lunches, and Board members all contribute to the daily workings.
The guys are special - each in his unique ways. The male presence relaxes
some of the shoppers. Howard is Abby's stock-room helper and keeps us all from getting too serious about things. Rudy, Bernie and Tom lighten things up with common sense and gentle humor as they work the back desk second shift, different days. Bud picks up from Safeway and talks sports with male shoppers eager to share as men do. Shoppers respect them and value their presence.
These gracious men and women shower so much love on those who need love
and acceptance (even more than food), that we all truly miss them when they take much needed breaks.
As summer approaches, there are many openings in our volunteer
schedule as our faithful men and women plan vacations. Can you fill their
places for a week, two weeks or more this summer?
Are you filled with love and joy to spare? If so, we
need you! Please call today and leave a message on the Voice Mail if we are
not answering. Thank You! — Sherron Slavens
Winter was cold, Easter was sunny and warm, and now the snow and rain of
April and May swell our streams. As the water rises and threatens our sewer pipe and bridge, we know that, just as the seasons change, so do our shoppers. Those who remain after the ski slopes close seek jobs in the restaurants, shops, rafting and zip lines. New young folks, and not-so-young men and women arrive vying for those same jobs.Some, who made it through winter without our help, are now back seeking relief from empty shelves. One new arrival was sleeping on a bench at Kum & Go, others are setting up camp sites or living in cars and, for all practicality, are homeless. They all find their way to Loaves & Fishes quickly.
Shoppers come to know volunteers by their first names, and know they care
about each of them. Rita offers to teach one woman how to knit. Susan sent a card to a shopper who was moving away, buys can openers for the homeless, readers for those who cannot read our small signs, and she crochets baby afghans for our new moms. Beverly packages up weekly lunch leftovers for the last shoppers of the week and has a story to tell each person. Jan and Joyce let the "early birds" in to enjoy a steaming cup of coffee and a cookie as they read the local paper or socialize. Lois carefully sorts out over-ripe fruit at the end of the week for the rabbits of one shopper.
The regular volunteers wear many hats. Maria, Marcie and Jessica are the
"behind-the-scenes" prep-room volunteers who divide large quantities of products such as rice, beans, cooking oil, and coffee. As Nancy ends her morning shift, she shops for and delivers food for a family in need and two High School boys living alone. Mary Ann helps us about everywhere, assists a young man to shop for his mother when she is ill (he never takes enough for the household of 7) and generally gives everyone a welcoming smile. Nancy, Susie, Keenan, Dede, our drivers, our lunch cooks who bring our pre-cooked lunches, and Board members all contribute to the daily workings.
The guys are special - each in his unique ways. The male presence relaxes
some of the shoppers. Howard is Abby's stock-room helper and keeps us all from getting too serious about things. Rudy, Bernie and Tom lighten things up with common sense and gentle humor as they work the back desk second shift, different days. Bud picks up from Safeway and talks sports with male shoppers eager to share as men do. Shoppers respect them and value their presence.
These gracious men and women shower so much love on those who need love
and acceptance (even more than food), that we all truly miss them when they take much needed breaks.
As summer approaches, there are many openings in our volunteer
schedule as our faithful men and women plan vacations. Can you fill their
places for a week, two weeks or more this summer?
Are you filled with love and joy to spare? If so, we
need you! Please call today and leave a message on the Voice Mail if we are
not answering. Thank You! — Sherron Slavens
Introducing Board President, Bill Gooch
Married to a wonderful wife, Lisa, we now live in
Georgetown. Clear Creek County has been home for over 25 years, the ski industry being a part of my whole life. Currently I coach competitive ski racing to
the youth.
My journey with Loaves and Fishes began about 5 years ago. Hearing
Sherron Slavens ask for help at 1st Presbyterian Church, I was moved and knew
I wanted to get involved. Beginning as a volunteer food delivery driver, I naturally
progressed into many other areas of helping. Helping others by serving at
this food bank has certainly helped me grow in my Christian walk.
Becoming the Board president has been a bit of a whirlwind, as I try to follow in the footsteps of Chuck Drage, a model of good work. I am thankful for this opportunity to serve, and ask for God's guidance.
We are always in need of help and appreciate all that the board, staff and volunteers do for this
ministry. Please continue your prayers, help and ideas for serving those in need. Thank you for all you do.
Sincerely, Bill
Married to a wonderful wife, Lisa, we now live in
Georgetown. Clear Creek County has been home for over 25 years, the ski industry being a part of my whole life. Currently I coach competitive ski racing to
the youth.
My journey with Loaves and Fishes began about 5 years ago. Hearing
Sherron Slavens ask for help at 1st Presbyterian Church, I was moved and knew
I wanted to get involved. Beginning as a volunteer food delivery driver, I naturally
progressed into many other areas of helping. Helping others by serving at
this food bank has certainly helped me grow in my Christian walk.
Becoming the Board president has been a bit of a whirlwind, as I try to follow in the footsteps of Chuck Drage, a model of good work. I am thankful for this opportunity to serve, and ask for God's guidance.
We are always in need of help and appreciate all that the board, staff and volunteers do for this
ministry. Please continue your prayers, help and ideas for serving those in need. Thank you for all you do.
Sincerely, Bill
Thank you
Many thanks to retiring Officers, Chuck Drage, Jean Lewis, and Joe Hatrick...a
job well-done! Thanks for staying on the board with us and continuing to serve!
A warm welcome to officers Joe Moles, Secretary, and Janessa Harmon, Treasurer, and a “right on” to Jan Shirlaw who is now serving as Vice-President.
job well-done! Thanks for staying on the board with us and continuing to serve!
A warm welcome to officers Joe Moles, Secretary, and Janessa Harmon, Treasurer, and a “right on” to Jan Shirlaw who is now serving as Vice-President.
Unexpected food donations from two churches
Loaves and Fishes benefited from extra collections of food during the first quarter of this year. During the six weeks of Lent, the Knights of Columbus requested 40
cans from each family at Christ the King Catholic church in Evergreen. From that appeal, L&F received 830 lbs of nonperishables. Three other food banks were similarly served.
Chuck Drage and Wayne Krieger brought back 1380 lbs of non-perishables from the Flatirons Church in Genesee early in the quarter. Several other food banks were also served.
Almost 41,000 lbs of food came to fill the shelves in the first quarter, making it possible to serve more than 30 new households. Keep in mind as you have time to sort through your cupboards this summer, that shoppers come in need all
summer long and may just be thrilled with a can of sardines or the holiday jam from last Christmas! Many thanks for all that you send to replenish the shelves!
cans from each family at Christ the King Catholic church in Evergreen. From that appeal, L&F received 830 lbs of nonperishables. Three other food banks were similarly served.
Chuck Drage and Wayne Krieger brought back 1380 lbs of non-perishables from the Flatirons Church in Genesee early in the quarter. Several other food banks were also served.
Almost 41,000 lbs of food came to fill the shelves in the first quarter, making it possible to serve more than 30 new households. Keep in mind as you have time to sort through your cupboards this summer, that shoppers come in need all
summer long and may just be thrilled with a can of sardines or the holiday jam from last Christmas! Many thanks for all that you send to replenish the shelves!
From the Executive Director, Sherron Slavens
"From the fullness of His grace we have all received one blessing after another." John 1:16
Abby Moles called one day last October to offer office assistance on Wednesdays. She started helping with office and shop duties and often offered to fill in when I was short or when we had a Holiday Distribution. When we needed a person to take on the preparation of the BFF bags, she once again volunteered. Once guided, she took hold quickly and worked independently - organizing miscellaneous corporate papers waiting to be caught up and filed, and she maintained an Excel database.
As a volunteer, Abby took and completed the Stephen Ministry course and was commissioned early this year at Rockland Church. This brings us to four Stephen Ministers (Joyce, Kitty, Iris and now Abby) to help with intakes, reactivations and updates. In March when our Food Pantry Assistant was having difficulty with the strenuous work, Abby and husband, Joe, discussed the possibility of her applying for the job. An hour later she applied and after an interview, I offered her the job which she accepted. Officially, her title is Special Programs Coordinator/Food Programs Coordinator. Once again, the Lord provides!
Now that we have ample kitchen and dining space we have been considering having “cooking” classes for anyone interested. As timing would have it, there was a Colorado Department of Human Services TEFAP & CSFP annual conference which Abby, Iris and I attended. One of the breakout sessions we took was presented by Cooking Matters. They gave us good direction and resources for Nutrition Education class presentations. Abby and I are giving a sample demonstration using lentils, at the June 2nd Clear Creek County Health Advisory Committee meeting being held here at Loaves and Fishes. We will follow up with our first Nutrition Education class for our shoppers on June 18th & 19th, using pinto beans received in our TEFAP deliveries. The other ingredients will also be items shoppers get from us on regular shopping or TEFAP days. It is indeed a blessing to be able to provide another dimension to our ministry.
Blessings, Sherron
Abby Moles called one day last October to offer office assistance on Wednesdays. She started helping with office and shop duties and often offered to fill in when I was short or when we had a Holiday Distribution. When we needed a person to take on the preparation of the BFF bags, she once again volunteered. Once guided, she took hold quickly and worked independently - organizing miscellaneous corporate papers waiting to be caught up and filed, and she maintained an Excel database.
As a volunteer, Abby took and completed the Stephen Ministry course and was commissioned early this year at Rockland Church. This brings us to four Stephen Ministers (Joyce, Kitty, Iris and now Abby) to help with intakes, reactivations and updates. In March when our Food Pantry Assistant was having difficulty with the strenuous work, Abby and husband, Joe, discussed the possibility of her applying for the job. An hour later she applied and after an interview, I offered her the job which she accepted. Officially, her title is Special Programs Coordinator/Food Programs Coordinator. Once again, the Lord provides!
Now that we have ample kitchen and dining space we have been considering having “cooking” classes for anyone interested. As timing would have it, there was a Colorado Department of Human Services TEFAP & CSFP annual conference which Abby, Iris and I attended. One of the breakout sessions we took was presented by Cooking Matters. They gave us good direction and resources for Nutrition Education class presentations. Abby and I are giving a sample demonstration using lentils, at the June 2nd Clear Creek County Health Advisory Committee meeting being held here at Loaves and Fishes. We will follow up with our first Nutrition Education class for our shoppers on June 18th & 19th, using pinto beans received in our TEFAP deliveries. The other ingredients will also be items shoppers get from us on regular shopping or TEFAP days. It is indeed a blessing to be able to provide another dimension to our ministry.
Blessings, Sherron
Welcome, Abby and Joe Moles
Abby and her husband, Joe, joined the Board in January. Abby volunteered to be Secretary. Both have extensive backgrounds in volunteering: Abby works with the 4-H and Charlie's Place here. Both have degrees from Purdue where they met - Abby in Forestry and Joe in computers. Joe works from home (Fall River Road). They have two adorable daughters, Rowan and Willow. They attend the Idaho Springs Lutheran Church. Now that Abby is a staff member, she resigned from the Board, and Joe was elected Secretary.
Programs 4 Kids too!!
Children whose families qualify for subsidized school breakfast and lunch, whether they are shoppers or not, are able to participate in the Programs-4-Children at Loaves and Fishes.
During the school year, Bags For Food, which provides nutritious snacks for the weekends, ends as our School's Out Program begins. The School's Out Program runs for the summer months. It provides extra
milk, cheese, lunch meat, and other proteins and vegetables so that the children continue to have balanced
nutrition not always available to shoppers. In 2014 an average of 25 children per week were provided nutritious
supplemental food by both programs, and that rate continues in 2015.
Our third kids program is our School Supplies program. This program is designed to help provide
the tools they need to start the school year off right. We collect supplies required by the schools to make
them available to the children.
If you are interested in helping with any of these programs please consider donating specifically for
them. Nutritious foods and school supplies keep our kids going! Thank you!
— Abby Moles
During the school year, Bags For Food, which provides nutritious snacks for the weekends, ends as our School's Out Program begins. The School's Out Program runs for the summer months. It provides extra
milk, cheese, lunch meat, and other proteins and vegetables so that the children continue to have balanced
nutrition not always available to shoppers. In 2014 an average of 25 children per week were provided nutritious
supplemental food by both programs, and that rate continues in 2015.
Our third kids program is our School Supplies program. This program is designed to help provide
the tools they need to start the school year off right. We collect supplies required by the schools to make
them available to the children.
If you are interested in helping with any of these programs please consider donating specifically for
them. Nutritious foods and school supplies keep our kids going! Thank you!
— Abby Moles
A Few Statistics
9590 individuals were served in 2014.
In the 1st quarter of 2015:
456 families (35 new & 54 reactivated households)
are active shoppers.
48,475 lbs of food have been donated and purchased
at a value of $66,501
(actual cost to L&F of $6947)
37,897 lbs of food were distributed (valued @
$62,909)
35 to 40 Volunteers have served between
410 and 430 hours per month.
Only through your generosity
can this kind of service to our
neighbors be possible!
Thank you in the names of all those
whose hunger is being satisfied.
In the 1st quarter of 2015:
456 families (35 new & 54 reactivated households)
are active shoppers.
48,475 lbs of food have been donated and purchased
at a value of $66,501
(actual cost to L&F of $6947)
37,897 lbs of food were distributed (valued @
$62,909)
35 to 40 Volunteers have served between
410 and 430 hours per month.
Only through your generosity
can this kind of service to our
neighbors be possible!
Thank you in the names of all those
whose hunger is being satisfied.
Needs for Summer through Fall
Cooking Oil, Sugar, Coffee,
Ramen Noodles
Canned fruits & vegetables - pull top cans
Canned meals (stew, chili, hearty soups) -
pull top cans preferred
Instant Side-dishes
(rice, pasta, potatoes, etc)
Peanut butter-any size
Jam, Jelly, Butter
Condiments - mayonnaise, catsup and
mustard… (2 small rather than 1 large)
Backpack-sized can openers
Toilet Paper
Feminine products, Men’s shavers
School supplies of all kinds, but especially
back packs – by August 1st please
Ramen Noodles
Canned fruits & vegetables - pull top cans
Canned meals (stew, chili, hearty soups) -
pull top cans preferred
Instant Side-dishes
(rice, pasta, potatoes, etc)
Peanut butter-any size
Jam, Jelly, Butter
Condiments - mayonnaise, catsup and
mustard… (2 small rather than 1 large)
Backpack-sized can openers
Toilet Paper
Feminine products, Men’s shavers
School supplies of all kinds, but especially
back packs – by August 1st please
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