Fifty members and friends of the California Retired Teachers Association Division 33 (Hemet, San Jacinto, and surrounding areas) gathered together December 14th at the Seven Hills Members Club to celebrate the holidays, reconnect with former colleagues and help spread a little holiday cheer and goodwill in the process. With a desire to help fill the great need of local families and struggling seniors in our community, especially over the holidays, Division 33 members donated bags, boxes and wagon loads of food and toys to the Valley Community Pantry in Hemet. As a bonus, Jim Lineberger, Executive Director and CEO of the Valley Community Pantry, was CalRTA’s guest speaker for the event and reflected on the many trials and triumphs the Pantry has experienced over the past 57 years.

Established in 1965 by Reverend Roy Schipling of the Hemet Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, the Pantry was dedicated to ending hunger in our local communities. Lineberger joined the Pantry Board in 2007, two years after he came to Hemet, then took on the role of Executive Director shortly thereafter. His background assisting the homeless and less fortunate on the streets of Los Angeles Skid Row prepared him for this new position helping those in most need of help in his own local community.

The Valley Community Pantry currently serves nearly 14,000 registered families and seniors, assisting them with such necessities as food, utilities, prescriptions, and rental assistance. The Pantry’s motto is “Giving Hope, Helping Families, Blessing Lives,” and Lineberger is on the front lines when it comes to meeting these three goals. He knows what it’s like to be on the receiving end of assistance, his family having received food donations from the local PTA when he was growing up. The memory is what keeps him going. During his tenure – and with COVID-19’s closures and restrictions– it’s been a roller coaster of a ride with the Pantry, with some overwhelming challenges countered by generous and timely donations to keep them afloat, all of which has taught him to have faith. Grateful for the dozens of donated bags packed with toys and food items lined up on the venue’s stage, Lineberger reminded his audience, “We can’t solve world problems, but we can help solve the problems in our communities. We need to find a way to bless people and help people. We’re not the biggest or the best, but we do what we can.”

The Valley Community Pantry is located at 191 S. Columbia St. in Hemet, behind Trinity Lutheran Church, and is open Monday-Friday, 8:30am to1:30 pm. For more information about the Pantry or to make a donation, go to https://www.vcpcares.org/.

Sue Breyer, CalRTA Div. 33 Vice President

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On Friday, February 21, Valley Community Pantry (VCP) celebrated its 55^th year in serving its community. The event brought together local businesses, churches, and community members in recognition of the non-profit’s invaluable service to those in need.

The theme was emerald green at VCP – the color symbolizing 55 years – and over 80 community members were present for Friday’s event which offered barbequed burgers, hot dogs, drinks and raffles prizes which appropriately included a 55-inch flat screen television.

Following the singing of the National Anthem by the talented 14-year-old, Sage Jessee, businesses and community leaders were recognized and thanked for making the Pantry’s mission a reality; Ferguson Flooring, Trinity Lutheran Church and Linda Greilich from Golden Era were one of many for whom VCP is grateful – for without donations and services these businesses provide, VCP would be unable to continue serving those who need assistance.

“Everybody deserves to eat regardless of their background or situation,” says Jim Lineberger, VCP’s Executive Director and CEO who believes strongly in the principles of helping the less fortunate. He and over 65 volunteers work tirelessly to provide the community with groceries and services such as utility and rental assistance – also, new or used refrigerators.

“If you’re in the senior community, you need to go check on your neighbors . . . they’re often too proud to ask for help. To have a senior go hungry is heartbreaking and it simply should not happen . . . if you know somebody in need, bring them down here,” Lineberger adds, explaining that over 25% of their clientele are senior citizens who often find themselves in a financial bind after their spouse passes away. Veterans, single mothers and homeless make up the remaining percentage of clients.

Some stats since 2011.

VCP:

• Serves 46 registered homeless veterans
• Serves 413 registered inactive veterans
• Serves 190 registered disabled veterans
• Serves 2,419 registered disabled senior families
• Serves 2,700 who live on social security income only
• Serves 2,880 seniors 60 years and older
• Serve 3,188 single mom families
• Registers, on average, 65 new families per month
• 82% of clients are extreme low income ($0.00 to $14,150)
• 1% of clients are moderate income ($37,751 and higher)

When asked about his hopes for the Panty’s future, VCP President, Leonard Gleason says, “I hope to continue building awareness in the community, the business community, and gain their support. Without our volunteers, churches and business’s support, I’m not sure we’d get a whole lot done.”

To learn more about the Valley Community Pantry visit www.ValleyCommunityPantry.org

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