- Home
- News Grid
- Local News
- Green Hawk
- Business
- Politics
- School Zone
- Nonprofits
- Missing Pets
- Multimedia
- Arts
- Movies
- Outdoors
- Sports
- News Releases
- Columnists
- Blogs
- Opinions
- Classifieds
- Advertise
- Donate
- Partners
Holiday Haulers Help Carry the Load for Foodbank
When Lisa Cullen asked representatives at Foodbank of Santa Barbara County what they needed most this holiday, she got an answer she didn’t expect.
Foodbank workers told her they needed trucks and someone to help coordinate runs to pick up food and bring it back to the foodbank’s storage facility.
That’s when Cullen, who runs Montecito Landscape with her husband, Chris, knew she could help.
“They said, ‘We have all these people who donate food, but can’t get it to the foodbank,’” Cullen said.
That got her thinking that their business had a host of trucks traversing town at any given moment that could fit in food pickups between jobs.
She even got other businesses her company works with on board to donate their truck time.
Now, the foodbank gets a call about donated goods and it calls Cullen, who dispatches the available trucks.
There’s no load too small, either, Cullen said. One woman called with two bags of groceries to donate, and Cullen dispatched her office manager to pick them up in her car.
Another trip involved filling her car with about 500 jars of donated peanut butter from Montecito Bank & Trust to be taken to the foodbank.
Eight companies are involved at this point, and although they welcome more, Cullen said donations are also needed.
The group started before Thanksgiving and will be going until the end of the year, and Cullen said the hauls have been going great so far.
Diane Hadighi, community relations manager for the foodbank, estimated the Holiday Haulers had brought in more than 3,000 pounds of food.
“Because we’re a nonprofit, it so helped us because we just don’t have that many staff,” she said. “They’re so helpful, and we’re blessed to have them.”
The foodbank supplies food to all of the nonprofit organiztions within Santa Barbara County, which means it’s providing for everyone from Transition House to the Salvation Army and Catholic Charities, Cullen said.
Of those on the receiving end of the foodbank’s goods, 75 percent are seniors and children.
“These folks cannot help themselves and are the people in our community who need our help the most,” Cullen said.
And it’s not only the foodbank that’s excited about the help.
“It’s something that people like us can do even in an economy that isn’t the most booming for every business,” Cullen said. “These guys are thrilled to death to do something like this.”
Those interested in donating food for pickup to the foodbank can call Steve Gonzales at the foodbank at 805.967.5741 x103 or Cullen at 805.969.3984.
— Noozhawk staff writer Lara Cooper can be reached at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
Comments
Noozhawk's comments are moderated, but by posting here you accept your responsibility to follow our rules as part of Noozhawk's shared online community. Please keep your comments civil and helpful. Don't attack other readers personally, and do not use vulgar, abusive or discriminatory language. Use the "Report Abuse" link if a comment violates these standards or our Terms of Use.
» on 12.23.09 @ 10:39 PM
I would be remiss if I didn’t mention all the wonderful people who helped make The Foodbank Holiday Haulers a success this year. Here are the people and businesses who make up the Holiday Haulers: Bob Kingston of All Around Landscape Supply, Ken Olsen of McCormix, Derrick Yee of Abe Nursery, George Schnakenberg of Agri-Turf Supply, Michael DePaola of Emilio’s Restaurant, Ron Anderson of Anderson Art Collective, Phil Beaubien of Beaubien Construction and the ever-perky Leana Finley the “do it all girl” of Montecito Landscape.
Thank you very much, you all went above and beyond to make this project work!
Lisa Cullen
You don't have permission to flag this entry.
» on 12.26.09 @ 12:05 PM
Dear Lisa and the group of Christmas Angels: I was touched by the story and impressed by the 3000 pounds of food you were able to pick up as went through your daily trips. What a fantastic opportunity to be of service. If you had not made that phone call to the Foodbank, image how much of the desperately needed food would not have made it to the people in such dire need. Special blessings to all of you who helped. I would be more than happy to help you next year. I am a Realtor and am all over town all day long. Please put me on your list of helpers and call me next year. #448-4881. Thank you for being compassionate. I receive your Montecito Landscape newsletter and have always enjoy your helpful information and wise Quotes. If I need a landscaper I will call.
This is another fine example of “we can make a difference”. Sincerely, Kathy Hughes
You don't have permission to flag this entry.
More Local News »
SBCC Receives But Won’t Release Draft of Findings from State Oversight Commission
The college has 30 days to respond, after which the ACCJC is expected to issue a public decision
County Supervisors Approve First Reading of Oil Pipeline Agreement for Venoco
Next week's public meeting the last step before the company can begin operations
Goleta Seeks Public Input on Law Enforcement Services
Participants are needed for two focus groups scheduled for Feb. 15
City Council Authorizes Design Contract for Redevelopment of Cliff Drive Intersection
Tuesday's meeting is dedicated to Santa Barbara filmmaker Mike deGruy, who died in a helicopter crash; a memorial service is planned for Sunday
Goleta Woman Accused of Having Sex with Teen Boy
Sheriff's Department says victim recently came forward about 2008 relationship
Weather: Fair 50.0º
Search Noozhawk »
