This donation comes from money CAN earns by administering utility crisis programs for APS and Southwest Gas. This source of money enables CAN to reach out to the community in ways above and beyond their stated mission, which is to connect people with resources to enhance their standard of living.”

Hugh Duncan, Sun City CAN board presient

Any monetary donations will buy bulk stuff, like rice, beans, pasta and cereal. But food donations are critical right now.”

Jesse Ramirez, Valley View Community Food Bank founder and director

Sun City Community Assistance Network office

10195 W. Coggins Drive
Sun City, AZ

Valley View Community Food Bank

10771 W. Peoria Ave.
Sun City, AZ

By Rusty Bradshaw
Twitter: @SunCitiesEditor

The Valley View Community Food Bank got a boost from the Sun City Community Assistance Network.

Valley View officials are in need of more donations as demand for food rises during the coronavirus situation. Food bank officials need both donated food and funds to purchase staple items.

Sun City CAN officials presented a check for $2,500 to Jesse Ramirez, Valley View Community Food Bank founder and director, to help cope with the food crisis created by COVID-19, according to Hugh Duncan, Sun City CAN board president.

“This donation comes from money CAN earns by administering utility crisis programs for APS and Southwest Gas,” Mr. Duncan stated in a press release. “This source of money enables CAN to reach out to the community in ways above and beyond their stated mission, which is to connect people with resources to enhance their standard of living.”

Both agencies are headquartered in Sun City, but serve residents from surrounding communities.

Valley View staff and volunteers continue to distribute food from their two location, 10771 W. Peoria Ave., Sun City and 12030 N. Clubhouse Square, Youngtown at about double the normal volume, according to Mr. Ramirez. But the food bank is in need of volunteers as 36 of their regular helpers, who are older and in the high risk category for COVID-19, are not assisting until the virus passes over.

“We need more volunteers,” Mr. Ramirez said.

Volunteer shifts are available 9 a.m.-11 a.m. and 11 a.m.-1 p.m. on weekdays. To help with social distancing and prevent community spread, food bank officials limit the number of volunteers on any given shift to a dozen maximum, Mr. Ramirez said.

“Any monetary donations will buy bulk stuff, like rice, beans, pasta and cereal,” he added. “But food donations are critical right now.”

Call 623-933-3358 for help; or to learn about volunteer opportunities or to how to donate.

Editor’s Note: Daily Independent Reporter Matt Roy contributed to this story.