Stories of needy keep me going
I am very grateful to have been chief executive officer at the Yuma Community Food Bank for almost a year now. I give thanks for our hardworking staff, committed board members, the extremely generous donors from the Yuma community and their strong act of giving to our War On Hunger in Yuma.
The unemployment rate in Yuma crept up to 29.9 percent for October 2012. Issues of truck repairs, freezer and refrigeration breakdowns, lack of food and other building deficiencies remain daunting. When I get discouraged, I read the stories of the individuals who are hungry and walk through our doors. The story shared below came to us on Nov. 3:
"Two years ago everything in my life seemed perfect — perfect job, house, car and family. But during the summer 2012 I found myself in a situation I never imagined could happen to me. In the blink of an eye I became a single mom and the life I had been accustomed to was gone. It’s been a struggle to take care of a 2-year-old all on my own. Some months the only way I can feed her is by coming to the food bank. I am so thankful for everyone at the food bank and the services they provide. Sometimes life takes some unexpected turns but I thank God for the hope and security the YCFB provides."
We don’t have a clue as to what goes on in the lives of others. The Yuma Community Food Bank strives to meet their needs. This past fall YCFB was named Partner Agency of the Year by United Way, received the 2012 Community Appreciation Award from the Salvation Army and received the 2012 Heart of Yuma Award for Outstanding Nonprofit Organization.
Last week I spoke to a group of middle school students about our mission to feed the hungry. Upon leaving, a little blond-haired girl came up to me and quietly whispered, "Mister, I might be seeing you soon because my family is going broke." I see it every day and comments like that keep me going.
As YCFB intensifies our efforts to feed the hungry, I invite you to make a financial contribution of $100 by Dec. 31 to support that effort.
Mike Ivers
Yuma
