The COVID-19 pandemic has greatly impacted families and communities all across the United States, including those in Simi Valley. In response, the Kiwanis Club of Simi Valley hosted the Great American Food Drive on Saturday, August 29th, 2020 to collect food and donations to aid families who have been greatly impacted by the pandemic.
The food drive started as a patriotic parade with club members driving through neighborhoods in decorated cars, honking their horns, and picking up food from donors who scheduled curbside pickups. However, the event ended up to be much larger than expected!
More than 90 individuals participated in the project, including Simi Valley Kiwanians and their families, the Santa Susana club, their Aktion Club, local Rotary members, and a local Boy Scout Troop. With their help and the help of a COVID-19 Community Assistance Grant from the CNH Children’s Fund, the club stocked five local food pantries and donated $1,400 in cash to four of these food banks to further assist them!
The club also helped a local elementary school give bags of food to families in need who were extremely grateful to the school and the Simi Valley club for the donations. “One mother who was picking up her child was met at the door with several bags of groceries,” shared Pam Smith, Club Treasurer. “She was practically in tears as she told [the school] that she didn’t know where she would get any groceries for her family.” Way to go, Simi Valley Kiwanians!