LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – A fundraiser that debuted last year and enjoyed a successful and generous community response is returning for this year’s Christmas season.
“Bountiful, A Celebration of Abundance” is marking its second year raising funds for the Lake County Hunger Task Force.
Last year, the fundraiser’s sale of gift boxes featuring local produce and wine brought in approximately $4,766 to benefit the task force, according to Michelle Scully, one of the fundraiser's organizers.
The nonprofit Lake County Hunger Task Force was founded in 2001 and pursues the goal of making sure Lake County’s hungry are fed.
It provides fresh produce and nutritionally sound food to needy local residents through creation of community gardens, education such as canning lessons and equipment donation, regular food distribution, and also advocates for the needs of those in poverty.
Because of the recession and the rise of local poverty levels, as well as the loss of two local food pantries this year, needs have increased dramatically, and the all-volunteer Lake County Hunger Task Force’s work has become even more important.
“Lake County has a greater need than ever for food to help those on fixed incomes make their budgets stretch to the end of each month,” said task force volunteer Lorrie Gray.
“The elderly have been especially hit hard by the economy, with many making the choice between medications, rent and food,” Gray explained. “They have no safety net, and we would like to help provide them with as much healthy food as we possibly can. They are less likely to take advantage of the Cal Fresh program, when eligible, than other age groups.”
The task force reported that 22 percent of Lake County's population is over age 65 and may not be eligible for food assistance. Only 10 percent of those eligible do apply, for many it is fear of the process or the ethic of a generation unused to asking for assistance.
Sixty-nine percent of the school-aged children in Lake County are eligible for school lunches due to the limited economic resources of their families, the group reported.
The Bountiful gift boxes contain Comice pears, wine, walnuts and apples from Lake County producers. One hundred percent of the proceeds are donated directly to the Lake County Hunger Task Force.
“The Bountiful Gift box project was such a beautiful effort to be involved with,” said Scully. “The generosity of the local producers was so great and the response by both gift box purchasers and receivers was overwhelmingly positive. It was really awesome to be part of such a win-win project.”
She added, “The gift givers felt like they were giving a truly thoughtful and meaningful gift, the recipients loved being able to experience the wonderful products we produce here in Lake County, and the Hunger Task Force received over $5,000 to continue all of the great work they do for our community. It’s hard to beat something like that!”
Gift boxes are $43 and purchasers may request red or white wine and requests will be honored as supply dictates.
A new feature this year is a very limited number of boxes available with olive oil rather than wine. Asian pears also will be substituted for apples in these boxes.
Also available this year is the opportunity to purchase a grocery holiday gift card for a senior citizen.
“This allows the seniors to purchase the food that they prefer and in the quantities they need over time rather receive more food than they can eat all at once,” said Gray.
These gift cards may be given in a recipient's name and a card specifying the donation will be provided.
“Last year the gift box idea came together really quickly and we made do with what we had in terms of packaging,” said Scully. “This year we are very excited by the generous donation of specially designed gift boxes from the company International Paper. I couldn’t be more pleased with their generosity and how wonderfully the new gift box turned out. It is a package that people will be proud to give and to receive. I hope that everyone who donated products, purchased a box, and received a gift box will be just as happy with its presentation.”
Anyone interested in purchasing a gift box may contact either Michelle Scully at 707-263-1121 or Lorrie Gray at 707-277-9227 or via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Boxes are $43, which includes tax and numbers are limited.
Distribution is scheduled for Dec. 15 in Kelseyville. Bountiful Gift Box purchasers will be given complete details.
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