As difficult economic times continue to challenge our community, the need to feed our hungry neighbors is greater than ever. The UCSC Academic Senate and Staff Advisory Board invite you to join us again this year in donating cash and non-perishable food to the Second Harvest Food Bank during the annual holiday food drive to help provide 2 million pounds of food to families who need it.
Last year, UCSC staff, faculty and students provided over 63,000 pounds of food and cash equivalent, exceeding the campus goal by 100%. Since this year's need is estimated to be 20 to 30% greater than last year, we hope you can support this critical effort. A donation envelope will arrive in your campus mailbox within the next couple of days to collect cash donations, which should be made in the form of check made payable to the Second Harvest Food Bank. Place your envelope in campus mail (red collection bag) and return any unused envelopes so they may be used again next year.
If you choose to donate food items, please use your own collection bag. Food items in particular demand include: canned meat, canned fish, canned fruits and vegetables, peanut butter, beans, pasta, rice, cereal and fruit juice. Food donations may be made by placing foods in the collection barrels located throughout the campus or may be brought to the base on campus on Friday, December 4th. Campus Mail Services trucks will be on hand to collect food and cash donations, which will be delivered to the Second Harvest Food Bank location in south Santa Cruz County at the end of the day. If requested, Campus Mail Services will pick up additional food donations during their regular mail pick up and delivery schedule. Collection bags may be requested by calling Mail Services at 9-4852.
All food donations are helpful, but the Second Harvest Food Bank can stretch cash donations even further. For every dollar donated, $9 worth of food is made available to families in need. And UC Santa Cruz is credited 3 lbs. worth of food for every dollar donated, bringing us closer to our goal of 30,000 lbs. for this year's drive.
The Second Harvest Food Bank is a non-profit organization providing food and basic necessities to our neighbors, 48% of whom are children. Visit http://www.thefoodbank.org to learn how your contributions make a difference in our community. Please consider joining us in the effort to reduce hunger in our community this year by supporting UCSC's annual Holiday Food Drive in support of the Second Harvest Food Bank. The need for community donations is greater than ever. We appreciate your support!
