Agua Fria Food and Clothing Bank seeks volunteers ahead of summer months

By Mary Goldmeer
Mail

As summer approaches, the Agua Fria Food and Clothing Bank is calling on West Valley residents to lend a hand.

The organization stated it often sees a drop in volunteers each summer as snowbirds head out of state, making it an ideal time for year-round locals to get involved.

AFFCB is currently seeking front desk volunteers, drivers to pick up food donations from grocery stores, and help at its mobile pantry, which operates the first and third Saturday of each month at Barbara Robey Elementary School in Litchfield Park.

“We really rely on our partners,” said Brandon Vickers, operations manager for AFFCB. “There’s always a need for volunteers and donations, especially in the summer.”

Vickers, who grew up in the West Valley, said giving back to the community that helped to raise him is part of what inspires many AFFCB volunteers.

“The summer months are especially hard on our clients, and extra water, food and nonperishable items can be lifesaving to have on hand,” Vickers said.

The organization also provides emergency food boxes via a drive-thru at its main facility at 405 E. Harrison Drive. No commercial driver’s license is needed for volunteer drivers, and all shifts include training and support from AFFCB staff.

AFFCB was founded in 1981 and has expanded through the years to serve an array of needs beyond food assistance. Today, the nonprofit offers daily sack lunches, showers, clothing, senior-specific food programs, holiday assistance, school uniform drives, and baby care supplies.

The food bank also distributes USDA emergency food boxes through the Emergency Food Assistance Program and the Commodity Supplemental Food Program for seniors. All programs are free and require a brief application process.

AFFCB’s programs for those without housing include daily lunch sacks and shower kits, and its mobile pantry remains open to the public with drive-thru distribution. Guests are only asked to provide basic information such as name, ZIP code and number of household members. No proof of income is required.

The next mobile pantry event begins at 6:30 a.m. this Saturday, April 20. The schedule shifts to a 5:30 a.m. start time beginning in May as temperatures rise.

“We see firsthand how even small acts of kindness, whether it’s a donated water bottle, some clean socks or a few hours of time, can make a huge difference for someone in need,” Vickers said.

Visit affcb.org for more information on volunteering or donating.