Food bank needs donations now

Manna, the Conejo Valley food bank, is coming up on two important junctions in its annual cycle.

Summer is historically both a time for the fewest donations from and the greatest need for the residents of Conejo Valley.

Our clients are all low- or very low-income households and a majority of them have subsidized meals through Conejo Valley Unified School District, which benefits them greatly.

As soon as school ended last week, the free breakfasts and 40-cent lunches ended, and the burden of providing two meals a day per child begins.

Manna's reserves are reaching the lowest levels of the year, and we're asking residents of the Conejo Valley for their help.

If you can organize a food drive or bring in personal donations for Manna, the impact will be immediate and critical.

A list of specific needs can be obtained by calling Manna at (805) 497-4959 or by e-mailing us at MannaConejo@aol.com.

We accept refrigerated or frozen meat and foods, canned and boxed goods, toiletry and baby items, cash, checks and supermarket scrip. Send monetary donations to P.O. Box 1114, Thousand Oaks, CA 91360 or bring items to Manna, 3020 Crescent Way, Thousand Oaks CA 91360.

Thank you in advance for your continued support; together we can and will continue to make this area a better place to live for all of our residents and neighbors. We're grateful for the chance to be able to serve. John Gorham Executive director Conejo Valley Manna