Sun City collects more than 1000 pounds of food and over $8000 for Interfaith Community Services Food Banks

Sun City collects more than 1000 pounds of food and over $8000 for Interfaith Community Services Food Banks

Nancy Montgomery, long term member of the Sun City Oro Valley community, faced a long recovery from spinal surgery this summer and she did something unique! Nancy decided to make a positive difference in her community during her recovery. With the help of Sun City Oro Valley Programs and Facilities Director, Pam Sarpalius, the Sun City community held a food drive and fundraiser for Interfaith Community Services (ICS) Food Banks. “The management of Sun City got behind the food drive and helped the effort.” Says Sarpalius. The response was incredible. In just 5 short weeks Sun City Oro Valley collected over 1000 pounds of food and over $8000 in donations.  The most remarkable part of this project is it was accomplished in the month of July when nearly a third of the residents are away.

“With the overwhelming success of our food drive I feel I’ve earned the right to challenge other 55 and over communities to raise support for the food banks” Nancy says with a grin. She even is willing to share with those communities how she accomplished this incredible feat.

They began by announcing the food drive in the monthly newsletter in and in their weekly announcements. They also publicized to all of the nearly 140 clubs. They got the word out! They placed collection boxes for the food in their main facility. “We had to get more boxes! They kept filling up” says Nancy. “The response exceeded all expectations” says ICS Food Bank Coordinator Curt Balko. According to Nancy, “If Sun City can do it, so can others! I challenge other senior living communities to accept the challenge of caring for those in need”.

About Interfaith Community Services: Established in 1985, Interfaith Community Services (ICS) provides food, job assistance, and emergency financial assistance to Pima County residents in need. ICS mobilizes volunteers to assist senior and disabled individuals with Mobile Meals, transportation, home repairs, calls and visits, and health and safety referrals. ICS offers compassionate support by leveraging the help of nearly 1,000 volunteers, 112 diverse faith community partners and generous funders to assist our area’s most vulnerable residents. ICS assists nearly 37,000 people a year. ICS has received Charity Navigator’s highest rating of four stars ten years in a row for its fiscal responsibility and best practices. For more information about Interfaith Community Services and its programs, contact Tom McKinney, CEO, at 520-526-9292 or visit the website at icstucson.org.

About Sun City Oro Valley: Sun City Oro Valley is a private 55+ Active Adult Community in Oro Valley, Arizona with 2488 homes. The premier homeowner’s association offers many amenities including