by Kimberley Faddah
As the New Year began, the Ojochal Community Food Bank (OCFB) realized a significant objective by opening the OCFB Donation and Volunteer Center adjacent to the Ojochal police station. The Center is staffed by volunteers Monday through Friday from 9 am to 12 pm which enables community members to drop off donations of clothing and household items for either distribution to families in need or for resale. In addition to donations of food and basic necessities, the OCFB relies heavily on financial donations to continue our work especially because of our expanded outreach.
Also in January, the OCFB had the opportunity to sponsor five children for a weeklong Summer Camp for Nature at the Turtle Reserve. The children experienced science hands on, many of them participating in activities never done before, including turtle releases, boating and snorkeling, providing them a greater vision for their future.
On February 12th, we held our annual “Love Our Neighbors” Fundraiser and Awareness Campaign. Committee
members and volunteers spent the day at the entrance to the village distributing informational flyers and “sweet treats” and collecting cash donations.
We recently partnered with one of the newer businesses in town, The Bamboo Room at the Alma Hotel, which has kindly offered to sponsor our First Annual St. Patrick’s Day dinner.
The second bi-annual Festival Amable Community Garage Sale is scheduled for Sunday, April 3rd. This year’s event promises to be bigger and better with even more food, activities and fun for the whole family. The OCFB has collaborated with many other community organizations and businesses to create a festival you won’t want to miss.
With your support, each of these happenings allows us to ensure we “Don’t let our neighbors go hungry tonight.”
