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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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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Valley Community Pantry holds successful pancake breakfast at Applebee’s

The Valley Community Pantry (VCP) held its quarterly pancake breakfast at Applebee’s to capacity crowds, which came and went filling the dining hall several times this past Saturday, November 23.

Captain Glen Brock of the HPD, and a Valley Community Pantry Board Member, said, “The Community Pantry has been a helping hand for those who are hungry, and this event is just one of the ways we raise funds to help those who are in need.”

Jim Lineberger, Executive Director/CEO of VCP echoed captain Brock’s sentiments, saying, “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.”

Capacity crowds were treated to the usual delicious morning fare provided by Applebee’s, and all of it for a worthy cause. Due to the fact that so many of the needy are not only elderly but veterans, Sandy Dee, a veteran herself, as well as columnist for HSJ Chronicle (“A voice for vets”), and founder of, “A Pawsibility for veterans” (apawsibility4veterans.org), and Board Member of the Cloverlane Foundation (cloverlanefoundation.org), championed the event saying, “This is an incredibly well-orchestrated event for bringing the community together and to help fund this great organization which provides food for the community and for over 200 veterans.”

The event raised more than $1,200-an amazing amount for an event such as this-and the event drew community servants past and present such as Russ Brown and former Mayor Robin Lowe who was among the lucky prize-winners of the VCP raffle. 

Liz Dubruille, Vice President of VCP was very happy with the turnout. “We try to hold this particular fundraiser two or three times a year: we try and do it quarterly if we can. Applebee’s always goes all out, and it gets better and better every time. It’s always a huge blast.”

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.” 

If you call VCP you will hear Executive DirectorJim Lineberger mention the VCP motto which is, “Giving hope, helping families, and blessing lives.” If Saturday’s turnout was any indication, The Valley Community Pantry is living up to that motto

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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