connections - Sonora Regional Medical Center

6
Foods fill stomachs and hearts
With less than a week until Thanksgiving,
Tuolumne County was in dire straits. The
Amador-Tuolumne Community Action
Agency’s (ATCAA) food bank put out an urgent call for
donations two days before its planned distribution. It was
to feed 1,200 families. The lack of donations also impacted
other non-profit groups that count on ATCAA for food
during the holidays.
“This was definitely the toughest year since the
recession hit in 2008,” said Bryan Lewis, chaplain and key
organizer of the Food for Families program.
On Monday, November 21 st , Medical Center
employees heeded the call. In less than three hours, they
collected, packed and distributed 45 barrels of food. It was
a part of their annual holiday food drive, but this year, there
was a sense of urgency.
“I always wonder how many are going to be in need
today,” said Nola Heflin, Seventh-day Adventist Community
Service director.
Nola has been with the organization since 1991. For her, the holiday food was what they call
“a boost.” They received many more food items than what they can normally get through regular
channels. They were able to add items that, hopefully, would not only fill stomachs but also raise
spirits.
“We get a lot of positive reaction from people,” said Heflin. “They say ‘I’m so glad that you’re
here. I’m so thankful for this and thank you so much.’”
In 2011, the Food for Families program raised 13,114 pounds of food. In addition to
Seventh-day Adventist Community Service, Food for Families distributes food and money to
Lighthouse Ministries and Interfaith.
“People are really hurting today,” said Lewis. “It is such a joy to be able to help others, and to
give and share—not just during the holidays but all year long.”
Food for Families
Food for Families is a yearly donation drive
that collects canned food for those in need
in Tuolumne County. This year, Medical
Center employees came together to raise
more than 13,000 pounds of food.
Nola Heflin