The Valley Community Pantry (VCP) held its first pancake breakfast of 2020 this past Saturday, January 27 at Applebee’s on Florida Avenue.

Liz Dubruille, Vice President of VCP was amazed at the turnout. “We try to hold this particular fundraiser two or three times a year: I feel like this event filled up very quickly and we had a turnover of patrons two or three times.”

Our Valley always comes together to help others in need, and Terry Larned of Hemet American Legion Post 53 is a great example.  “I think this a fantastic opportunity for the community to come out and stand behind Jim and the Valley Community Pantry, said the veteran.

Jim Lineberger, Executive Director/CEO of VCP , “In America, everybody deserves to eat: our particular constituency comes from three main groups: the elderly, our veterans, which are sometimes one-and-the-same, and single mothers. Of course, we will feed anyone who is hungry, but the overwhelming majority of our clients, some 97, 98 percent, come from those three groups. This event gets better and better every time, because we have more than 70 volunteers who help make it better and better,” said Lineberger, adding, “We saw lots of new faces, which is always encouraging.  Our next pancake event will be held on June.”

Lineberger also reminded patrons that this year will be a very special year for VCP as they will be celebrating 55 years of service and commitment to our valley.  “We will be holding open house on February 21 to celebrate this milestone,” said, Lineberger, urging all to come out in support and celebration.

The event raised close $1,100-an amazing amount for an event such as this.  Leonard Gleason, President of VCP thanked everyone who came out and urged all to come out to the 55th anniversary celebration.

Applebee’s has always been a friend of our valley, hosting many of these fund-raising breakfasts as a catalyst for moving the community forward. Leonard Gleason, VCP President said, “Three, four times a year, Valley Community Pantry holds a pancake breakfast that’s hosted by Applebee’s to support the Pantry functions. Every dollar counts! Applebee’s always does a fine job. This is a very important event, especially for me: coming into the holidays, we have a lot of people in need. This event will help us with funding to make sure that we feed as many people as possible.” 

Anyone interested in volunteering or donating to the VCP may do so at: https://www.vcpcares.org or stopping by the office at 191 Columbia Street, Hemet or by calling (951) 929-1101

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