A Visit from O. C. Communications

Lately we have been watching the number of clients grow; and also watching our inventory in our warehouse decline. Those in our organization who know the numbers and understand the situation we are facing are the ones with the furrowed brows. Our Operations Manager has made inventory predictions and EGFBS will be ok, but it is worrisome to watch inventory fall so low.

That is why we were all looking forward to a visit from our long-time sponsors from O. C. Communications. These people are so positive and upbeat! Their encouragement is so valuable to us; they sincerely support our efforts, listen to our clients' needs and work toward helping the needy in our community. We were all looking forward to a much needed "pep talk" from them.

They brought another long-time supporter, Pastor Jason Whalen from First Baptist Church of Elk Grove, with them. We enjoyed our time together and while walking through our warehouse they noticed that inventory was low. They also asked what should be on the empty shelves in our storage area for items for our homeless clients (sleeping bags).

After touring our facilities, Craig Freeman from O. C. Communications said to Executive Director Marie Jachino, "Two years ago we presented you with $5,000; last year we gave $10,000. What is the natural progression?"

Marie guessed, "$15,000?"

Craig smiled and said, "A little over $20,000!"

Too stunned to cry, Marie humbly accepted the check. Thank you to the kindhearted and generous people at O. C. Communications!

Only with community support like this can Elk Grove Food Bank Services continue to assist the growing numbers in need in Elk Grove.

P. S. Marie informs me that in addition, O. C. Communications is donating 50 sleeping bags to fill our empty shelf.

O. C. Communications

Our long-time sponsors, O. C. Communications, scheduled a visit with us on Tuesday. We looked forward to touring our new facilities and explaining the operations and reach of our programs.

We saw our Support Works program in action. Our program manager explained the different aspects of Support Works: Job Training, Support Group (for women), and Parenting Classes. She also spoke about the program’s success rate and the introduced the qualified and devoted volunteers connected to the program.

Our warehouse area was filled with busy volunteers working to fill a record number of client requests for food and turkeys. They also saw our shelves nearly full of canned food. We explained that the majority of food drives are held in the fall, that these were the results of recent food drives, and that we hoped these stores would last until May 2011.

We made our way to the Clothes Closet to see clients selecting warm clothing and volunteers assisting them. We pointed out our “Career Corner” where clothing that is suitable for an interview or for starting back to work is kept.

After the tour, we were presented a very generous and unexpected donation. We wiped away our tears, and thanked O. C. Communications for blessing EG Food Bank Services with their faithful support.