COMMUNITY FOOD BANK - Holiday Meal Boxing & Giveaways

HOLIDAY MEAL BOXING

The Community Food Bank is looking for volunteers to help box 40,000 meals for the holiday season. Please see the following dates and times below and specify which shift is preferable.

DATES & TIMES:
Nov. 20: 7am - 10am, 10am - 1pm, 1pm - 4pm
Dec. 11: 7am - 10am, 10am - 1pm
Dec. 18: 7am - 10am, 10am - 1pm


HOLIDAY MEAL BOX GIVEAWAYS

On Monday, November 22 and Monday, December 20, the Community Food Bank needs 20 volunteers to help give the boxed holiday meals to their partner agencies. Two shifts are available: 7am - 11am / 10:30am - 2:30pm


Please contact Leslie Gacad at lgacad@communityfoodbank.net or (559) 237-3663 x 106 to sign up for the volunteer opportunities listed above.

Fall service projects the topic of Aug. 3 V4CF General Meeting

The whys and wherefores of three planned Volunteers For Change-Fresno service projects will be the topic of our next General Meeting, scheduled 7-8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 3, in the large community room of the Fig Garden Library, 3071 W. Bullard Ave. in Fresno. The library is on the southwest corner of Bullard and Marks, in the shopping center.

At the meeting, members and guests will be invited and encouraged to commit to participating in one of three service projects, each intended to draw additional attention to a serious issue affecting our community. The projects will fall into the areas of combating hunger, homelessness, and air pollution leading to climate change, and each will take place between Sept. 15 and Election Day.

To make this work, we'll need the participation and commitment of every V4CF member. Expect the finest in 'pleasant persistence' from your fellow V4CFers in gaining that commitment. And stay tuned... we hope to see you Tuesday!

Who we are, and what we're all about

So... what is Volunteers For Change-Fresno? Who are we? And what are we all about? This 'get fired up' video from our Election Day Anniversary celebration should explain things.



Want to join us? You can join V4CF through this online form, or by sending us an an e-mail message. The cost is only time and passion; the payback is the Change you demand.

Primary election the topic of June V4CF meeting

The June 8 primary election will be the primary topic (no pun intended) of our next Volunteers For Change-Fresno meeting, scheduled 7-8:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 1, in the large community room of the Fig Garden Library, 3071 W. Bullard Ave., in Fresno. The library is on the southwest corner of Bullard and Marks, in the shopping center.

At the meeting, members and guests will be invited to share their own views on the candidates running for various offices in the primary, the ballot propositions, and more. We'll also have brief presentations on GOTV efforts, Pride Day, and our usual bevy of volunteer opportunities.

Our usual fun and camaraderie will be included, of course, at no extra charge. We hope to see you there!

Community Alliance's Mike Rhodes to speak at next V4CF meeting April 6

Mike Rhodes, editor and publisher of Fresno's Community Alliance newspaper, will be the featured speaker at our next Volunteers For Change-Fresno general meeting, scheduled 7-8:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 6, in the large community room of the Fig Garden Library, 3071 W. Bullard Ave., in Fresno. The library is on the southwest corner of Bullard and Marks, in the shopping center.

At our meeting, Mike plans to speak about the history of the Community Alliance, Fresno's premier progressive newspaper. Mike will also address the topic of homelessness in Fresno, with his emphasis placed on possible compassionate actions people can take in support of Fresno's homeless population.

Also on our agenda:

• A wrap-up of the battle for healthcare reform;
  
  
• An array of possible community service projects, including those from the Community Food Bank and others;
  
  
• A variety of possible 'issues actions,' including ways to help build bridges across an increasingly deep political divide in our country; and
  
  
• An opportunity to meet at least one candidate running for office.

As always, our meeting will include some fun and some lively 'networking time.' All members and their guests are welcome to attend... and we hope to see you there!

Of interest: Fresno Bee chides Devin Nunes for his recent rhetoric

Hmmmm... an interesting editorial from today's Fresno Bee:

EDITORIAL: Passion is productive, Nunes' rhetoric is not

Rep. Devin Nunes, R-Visalia, has been a passionate advocate of conservative causes, and his votes reflect the majority of his constituents in the 21st District. But as the Democratic-controlled Congress has been successful in pushing its agenda, the rhetoric from Nunes has become increasingly more strident.

In recent days, Nunes said the passage of the health-care bill will cause the "total destruction of the country," compared President Barack Obama with Iraq's Saddam Hussein and Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe and defended protesters who launched epithets at Democrats who supported the reform bill.

As an elected leader, Nunes should be setting an example of how to vigorously debate an issue he doesn't agree with. That's how our democracy is supposed to work. But Nunes' reckless rhetoric is a signal to his supporters that it's just fine to use inappropriate language on your opponents.

This kind of language has contributed to one of the most divisive political times in our history. One not only must disagree with his political opponents, but must also hate them.

For details, read the full editorial on the Bee's website at http://www.fresnobee.com/2010/03/23/1869515/passion-is-productive-nunes-rhetoric.html#ixzz0j7B0emQZ.

Save the Date: Next V4CF general meeting scheduled Tuesday, March 9

Just a quick update: Our next Volunteers For Change-Fresno general meeting is scheduled 7-8:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 9, in the large meeting room of the Fig Garden Library, 3071 W. Bullard Ave., in Fresno. The library is on the southwest corner of Bullard and Marks, in the shopping center.

Stay tuned for our agenda!

Volunteers needed to assist with replantings at 'Be A Stick In the Mud Day' Feb. 6

Interested in volunteering at the San Joaquin Valley River Parkway? Here's your chance. Join V4CF members at Be a Stick in the Mud Day, scheduled 9 a.m.-noon Saturday, Feb. 6. During the event, volunteers will prepare and plant Willow and Cottonwood pole cuttings at the Jensen River Ranch and the Spano River Ranch.

Volunteers will meet at 8:45 a.m. Feb 6 at the Coke Hallowell Center for River Studies, 11605 Old Friant Road in Fresno. Participating? Plan to wear footwear and clothing that can get muddy and wet.

This event is part of the Conservation River Stewards program, run by the San Joaquin River Parkway and Conservation Trust. Events are held on a monthly basis; if V4CF members enjoy this event, we'll have the opportunity to participate in future events San Joaquin River Parkway events.

Those interested in volunteering need to fill out a volunteer form before coming, available at www.riverparkway.org/pdf/VolunteerServiceAgreement.pdf. For more information, contact Kris Arden at (559) 978-1736 or via e-mail at kkarden@yahoo.com.

Volunteers needed for two food distributions, scheduled in February in Firebaugh

Join Volunteers for Change-Fresno as we work with the Community Food Bank to distribute food in Firebaugh. Volunteers are needed for two sessions:

• Tuesday, Feb. 9- Coordinator: Wendy Negri (559-299-5052)
• Tuesday, Feb. 23- Coordinator: Kris Arden (559-978-1736 or kkarden@yahoo.com)

Each session is scheduled 8 a.m.-2 p.m., or until the food to be distributed runs out.

The distributions will take place in Firebaugh's Maldonado Park, located at 1601 Thomas Conboy Road. The coordinator will provide more details & contact each person who signs up closer to the date of the event.

Did you know that you can get a free ticket to Disneyland for helping out with this opportunity? For more information, visit http://www.disneyparks.com.

Santa's Village donations update

Announcing the donation count for Santa's village:

57 toys and 10 articles of clothing

Donations for Santa's Village will be accepted through Dec. 9. Each night the volunteers will be fed, so additional donations of the following items are also being accepted:

• Coffee, Sugar, and Creamer
• Paper Plates
• Napkins
• Plastic Tablecloths, Utensils, and Cups
• Desserts

To make a donation, please contact Kris Arden at kkarden@yahoo.com or 559-978-1736.

V4CF sends its thanks to all veterans today

On this Veteran's Day, Volunteers For Change-Fresno sends its sincere and heartfelt thanks to all veterans.

And for those in harm's way tonight, especially for those in Iraq and Afghanistan, Volunteers For Change-Fresno wishes you a safe and speedy return home!

V4CF members and friends invited to our 'Obama Campaign Reunion' event Nov. 3

In lieu of a formal Volunteers For Change-Fresno meeting in November, we're inviting all of our members to join us during the evening of Nov. 3, for a celebration marking the one-year anniversary of President Obama's election.

With many of our members coming to Volunteers For Change as a direct result of their hard work on the Obama Campaign , the one-year anniversary of the election seems a good time to come together, to reconnect with those whom we worked alongside during the many hours of canvassing and phonebanking, to celebrate the anniversary and recount V4CF's successes in 2009.

Our 'Obama Campaign Reunion and Toy Drive' is scheduled 7-8:30 p.m Tuesday, Nov. 3, in the large community room of the Woodward Park Library, 944 East Perrin Avenue in northeast Fresno.

The evening's festivities will include a video and slideshow from last year's Fresno For Obama campaign. We'll have some appetizers and refreshments there, and we're asking attendees to bring some kind of 'finger food' to share.

Last but not least, at the Reunion we'll be collecting toys for this year's 'Santa's Village' event. To donate, please bring a new or slightly used toy to the Reunion. Volunteers For Change will donate those toys to the Southwest Policing District's 'Santas Village' event.

We hope to see you there!

Save the Date; Anticipate that your phone will ring sometime this weekend

V4CFers: Please mark the evening of Nov. 3 as 'busy' on your calendars!

Why? This weekend, a crack squadron of the V4CF Telephone Team will be calling all V4CF members to invite them to a very special event we've planned for the evening of Nov. 3. Fun, enlightenment, fond memories and a bit of holiday cheer will be on tap that evening for all V4CFers, and for all who worked so diligently on the Obama Campaign last fall.

But... until then, mum's the word. Listen for the ringing of your phone sometime this weekend. We'll spill the details then.

Oh, and before I forget: Here's that map we'll mention.

Donations needed for SW Policing District's annual 'Santa's Village' event

As announced at our meeting Oct. 13, Volunteers For Change-Fresno is collecting donations of toys, clothes and more in support of 'Santa's Village,' an annual event for kids living in ZIP Code 93706.

Conducted each year by Fresno's Southwest Policing District, the 'Santa's Village' event allows kids from ZIP Code 93706 the opportunity to receive a holiday gift and a high-quality photo with Santa. Event organizers expect to serve more than three thousand children over the event's six evenings this year, with families braving long lines and chilly weather for the opportunity to creating a family memory by having their children receive a gift and a photo with Santa.

Want to help? Santa's Village needs donations of new or slightly used:

• Toys, especially stuffed animalls;
• Clothing, in children's sizes 0-18;
• Mittens and gloves;
• Warm hats, jackets and shoes.

To donate, bring your items to a Volunteers For Change-Fresno meeting, or contact V4CF members Kris Arden (978-1736 or kkarden@yahoo.com) or Nancy Griesser (325-1616 or nancyg@csufresno.edu). Monetary donations are also gladly accepted; checks should be made payable to the Fresno Police Neighborhood Watch Association (FPNWA).

'Issue teams,' Santa's Village project the topics at V4CF General Meeting Oct. 13

We hope you'll join us at the next Volunteers for Change-Fresno general meeting, scheduled 7-8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 13, in the large meeting room at the Fig Garden Library, 3071 W. Bullard Ave., in Fresno. The library is on the southwest corner of Bullard and Marks, in the shopping center.

Our meeting will include:

• A discussion about setting up V4CF 'issue teams,' groups of volunteers who will take the lead on researching issues important to us, and will build bridges to other like-minded groups to coordinate our efforts in support of our mission;
  
  
• More details on our efforts to support the Fresno 'Santa's Village' project in December. Donations for Santa's Village will also be accepted at the meeting; help by donating new or slightly used toys (especially stuffed animals), clothing for children under 18, mittens and gloves, warm hats, jackets, and shoes;
  
  
• A demonstration of how easy it can be to use the V4CF Action Blog to make calls to our Congressional representatives;
  
  
• A quick and voluntary "pass o'the hat" to fund some V4CF basics, like paper and printer ink; and
  
  
• The debut of our long-awaited V4CF T-Shirts, which will be available in several sizes for $15 each. Get yours at our Tuesday meeting... correct change will be appreciated, but not required.
  

Expect intelligent conversation, enlightening commentary, and high T-shirt fashion at our meeting! We hope to see you there!

MSNBC's Rachel Maddow talks about President Obama's Nobel Peace Prize recognition

While it may not be an official Volunteers For Change-Fresno communication, Rachel Maddow's analysis may go a long way toward rebutting the Limbaughs, Becks and Tea Partiers of the world on the issue of President Obama's Nobel Peace Prize. Enjoy!

If the viewscreen below is not visible, Rachel Maddow's analysis is available on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GMJuEOaF84o.

Schedule conflict moves next V4CF meeting to Tuesday, Oct. 13

Just a quick update: Because both of our preferred meeting venues are booked on the evening of Oct. 6, we've had to change the date of our next Volunteers For Change-Fresno general meeting to Tuesday, Oct. 13.

Time and venue remain the same: 7-8:30 p.m., in the large community room at the Fig Garden Library. See you then!

'Monopoly Mania' fundraiser for Hands On CenCal scheduled Sept. 18

Hands On Central California, which has partnered with Volunteers For Change-Fresno on a number volunteer events in 2009, will host a unique fundraising event this Friday, Sept. 18. Called 'Monopoly Mania,' this fundraiser for Hands On Central California challenges local Monopoly enthusiasts to a 'survival of the fittest' Monopoly tournament. From Hands On:

In an effort to increase the capacity of our organization and provide resources and sustainability for volunteerism in our community HandsOn Central California has designed a fun and unique fundraising event, “Monopoly Mania”.

The event challenges local Monopoly enthusiasts in a “survival of the fittest” Monopoly tournament, and features a full-service event including entertainment, food, cocktails, a silent auction, and prizes. Participants will battle to win a luxury vacation package and a cash pot prize for their favorite local nonprofit agency.

For more information about the event, visit the events page on the Hands On Central California website.

Volunteer opportunities, reform fight the topics of our next meeting, scheduled Tuesday

Upcoming volunteer activities and our continuing battle for meaningful healthcare reform will be the topics of our next Volunteers For Change-Fresno general meeting, scheduled 7-8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 8, in the large community room at the Fig Garden Library, 3071 W. Bullard Ave., in Fresno. The library is on the southwest corner of Bullard and Marks, in the shopping center.

At the meeting, we'll recap some of the activities we undertook in August, including the Rally for Healthcare Reform last week. We'll also go into detail about some upcoming volunteer activities that help our communities while bolstering our mission, including support for local food banks, working with the Southwest Policing District, and volunteer needs for the upcoming 'Santa's Village' event, scheduled in December.

We've had a very busy August, indeed. But with Congress returning to Washington D.C. and our communities still in need of volunteers, our work must continue. We hope to see you Tuesday evening!

We get press: Local television covers the rally

Yesterday's Healthcare Reform rally garnered its share of television coverage. First, here's KSEE-24's segment on the rally. For their full report, visit the KSEE-24 website.



Next, here's how Fresno's ABC-30 News covered the rally. For their full report, visit the healthcare reform rally story on the ABC-30 website.