Donor SpotlightDonors come in a variety of forms and make work at SFBFS possible. From students to seniors to companies with a big heart, we encourage you to check out one of SFBFS’ featured donors every month. Councilmember Kevin McCarty - May 2013
Aware of Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services' (SFBFS) presence in the community from attending events such as Run to Feed the Hungry and the Saca Benefit Ball, Councilmember McCarty was looking for a direct link to support the families of SFBFS. Noticing that his twin daughters were quickly outgrowing their toddler clothing and no longer needed things such as high chairs or bassinettes, Councilmember McCarty thought to donate the items to SFBFS. Soon, he would be struck with another idea. Working with his constituents, Councilmember McCarty began organizing an annual Mother's Day donation drive benefitting SFBFS' Parent Education program (formerly known as the Mother-Baby program). Reaching out to preschools in the community, family members and personal friends for contributions, Councilmember McCarty's donation drive, has collected over 3,000 pounds of baby food, formula, diapers, clothing and other infant-care supplies to directly benefit the families of SFBFS' Parent Education program. Now in its fifth year, Councilmember McCarty's donation drive has grown to boast a network of 100 families contributing annually. "I've always been a big believer in the mission of [SFBFS]," said Councilmember McCarty. "Especially in things like the educational programs which give people a 'hand-up' rather than a 'hand-out'. In the years that the donation drive has grown, I've watched SFBFS grow as well and provide programs that teach families valuable life skills," he continued. "The Parent Education program is very much dependent on the contributions of businesses, individuals and the community to meet the needs of underserved children," said Lorena Carranza, Parent Education Program Manager at SFBFS. "Thanks to Councilmember McCarty's Mother's Day donation drive, people in the community are more aware that there are mothers and fathers struggling to provide their children with basic supplies like diapers, clothing and baby food," Lorena explained. Lorena recalled a time when Councilmember McCarty hoped to donate furniture he had used for his twin daughters as infants. Lorena knew of a family in the program which was, as luck would have it, expecting twins. After being given the contact information for the family, Councilmember McCarty dropped by the family's home to deliver the items personally. "Seeing the families who are participating in the program, seeing how much they appreciate the goods and getting the chance to have a dialogue with them is all very rewarding," Councilmember McCarty continued. "The donation drive is a great way to honor the Mother's Day holiday and I've definitely found my niche' with [SFBFS]." Councilmember McCarty will celebrate his 5th Mother's Day drive with his twin daughters and dozens of mothers in SFBFS' Parent Education program on Friday, May 10. Interested in hosting your own donation drive to support families in need? Check out the wish lists for our Parent Education program.
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