Issue link: https://www.ifoldsflip.com/i/1339624
SantaCruzSentinel.Com February 12, 2021 | READERS CHOICE | 12 ...continued from 11 CDC social distancing guidelines, for example by switching our daily lunch program to a to-go operation and mov- ing our pantry outside, our mission has remained constant: to help alleviate the hunger among Pajaro Valley's poor families, farm workers, and elderly, dis- abled and homeless individuals, as well as many who may be seeking assistance for the first time as a result of the pub- lic health crisis and recent economic downturn," says Kathryn. Loaves and Fishes currently serves 100-130 lunches daily. "Jonathan, one of our regular lunch guests, told Maria Gonzalez, our Kitchen Manager of 17 years, how invaluable our services have been. Living with disabilities and with- out kitchen access, it has been critical to his health that he's been able to receive meals and other support from our staff. Another, Peter, told Maria how grate- ful he is, because although he's often busy with work and can't come right at noon when we start giving it out, he is always sure to come pick up his meal. He says it's the only place that he can get a healthy lunch." They see the most clients during No- vember and December holiday distri- butions, when they serve specially pre- pared grocery bags for families to make festive meals at home. This year they saw about 450 and 550 families respec- tively. One moment in particular stood out for Kathryn. "One of our guests, Maggie, had called to sign up her house- hold for our distribution. Unfortunately, our list was already overflowing with families. We had to put her on a wait- list. Due to last-minute cancellations, a couple of days before Thanksgiving we were able to call and tell her she could come pick up a package after all, includ- ing a whole turkey. She was over the moon to hear the news. As they loaded groceries into their car, I overheard her telling her partner 'We get to have tur- key!' During a very challenging time, it was such a heartwarming moment." Thank You Santa Cruz for supporting We look forward to offering more virtual performances this Spring! Please check out our website for Updates: scbt.org Non-profit organization 501(c)(3) Tax ID 77-0076069 NBCC is grateful to our Santa Cruz community for voting us "Best Preschool" for the 4 th year in a row. Thank you for valuing quality early childhood education! Very Humbly: Jonnie, Karyn, Allie & Staff WHY CHOOSE NBCC? • Degreed Certified Early Childhood Educators • Child Development Education for Families • Spanish & Lifelab Enrichment • Certified Green Business • Mindfulness Practice • Teaching guided by Neuroscience • Social Justice Curriculum To Schedule a Tour Call 831.429.NBCC (6222) School Location: 255 Swift Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95060 Visit our website at www.naturalbridgescc.org 2018