Sloan's Lake Citizen's Group

BIG HEARTS - GOOD WORKS, ABOUND IN NORTHWEST DENVER

Ellen Torres Bienvenidos Food Bank

One of the places where big hearts and good works abound is the "Ellen Torres Bienvenidos Food Bank," where amazing things happen every week. The Food Bank occupies part of the basement at the Our Merciful Savior Episcopal Church at 2222 West 32nd Avenue at Wyandot Street. Donna Lucero is the director of the Food Bank, which had an unexpected sudden increase in clients caused by the closing of the Food Bank at Marycrest. The Ellen Torres Food Bank serves the Northwest Denver Neighborhood and needs the support of those in the Northwest Denver Community. About 155 families are currently provided with food assistance every week. In addition, there is an emergency food pantry for families in immediate need of assistance who cannot wait until the regular distribution day. The food bank is unique in allowing the clients to choose an item from each category of food available on the distribution day, enabling the food bank to more closely match the needs of each family.

The statistics for 2005 are impressive. During the year, 199,180 pounds of food, with a market value of $278,852, were distributed to 1,301 families. Two hundred ninety volunteers donated 4,008 ours of their time to the food bank.

To meet the weekly requirements of the Ellen Torres Food Bank, non-perishable food items are always needed. These include the following: spaghetti sauce, pasta, macaroni and cheese, tuna, canned meat, peanut butter, canned fruit, canned vegetables, soup, rice and ramen noodles. Items such as shampoo, soap, toilet paper, and detergent are also needed. In a given week, if there is a shortage of certain types of food items, food bank staff must go to the Food Bank of the Rockies to replenish the food panty. Because these items cost the food bank 16 cents per pound to cover overhead costs at the Food Bank of the Rockies, cash donations are also accepted to cover this type of out of pocket costs.

Additional volunteers are always needed. For more information or to volunteer, call Donna Lucero at (303) 433-6328.