In a heartwarming display of community support, a semi-truck rolled up to the Ramona Food & Clothes Closet on October 10th, delivering a substantial donation of 567 cases of food. This timely contribution, provided by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from their humanitarian supply warehouse, will help the organization meet the growing demand for food assistance during the upcoming holiday season.

Bridging the Gap: Ramona Food & Clothes Closet's Mission to Support Families in Need

Addressing the Surge in Food Insecurity

The Ramona Food & Clothes Closet (RFCC) had been facing a shortage of food staples, struggling to keep up with the increasing need in the community. Vesna Curry, the RFCC's General Manager, expressed her gratitude for the donation, stating, "We're so thankful that we received this donation because of how short we are with our food stores this year. The need for food is much greater this year and we are not getting the amount of food we usually get from the various organizations."

Expanding Holiday Assistance Programs

The timely donation will play a crucial role in the RFCC's annual Share Your Christmas gift-giving program, which provides free food, toys, and gift cards to families in need. Additionally, the organization is preparing to open a new Christmas-themed thrift store at 751 Main Street, adjacent to the main store, to offer even more resources and support during the holiday season.

Collaborative Efforts: A Community-Driven Approach

The unloading of the 53-foot truck was a collaborative effort, with volunteers from various organizations pitching in. Poway/Ramona Stake Relief Society President Laura Sommer, Ramona Food & Clothes Closet volunteers, Board of Directors President Heather Sossong, missionaries and elders of the church, and members of the Community United Methodist Church of Julian's Mountain Manna Food Pantry all lent a hand.

Leveraging Logistical Support

Jim Piva of Piva Equipment Services played a crucial role in the unloading process, using one of his company's forklifts to efficiently move the pallets of non-perishable items into the RFCC's storage containers. Curry praised the volunteers, stating, "They hustled about all morning, offloading the many pallets of non-perishables, many of which will be used during the Ramona Food & Clothes Closet's Share Your Christmas' program."

Ongoing Need and Opportunities to Contribute

Despite the generous donation, the Ramona Food & Clothes Closet continues to face an ongoing need for food donations. Curry encouraged the community to support the organization, stating, "Food donations are still needed." Individuals interested in contributing can contact the RFCC at 760-789-4458 to learn more about how they can make a difference.The Ramona Food & Clothes Closet's commitment to supporting families in need during the holidays is a testament to the power of community collaboration and the transformative impact that can be achieved when organizations and individuals come together to address pressing social challenges. This donation not only provides immediate relief but also serves as a symbol of the community's unwavering dedication to ensuring that no one is left behind.