Kim Eisele accepts the donation from the Democratic Club of Quail Creek, presented by Nancy Neely.
Lois Connell
On Nov. 16 the Democratic Club of Quail Creek welcomed speakers from two local nonprofit organizations to its monthly meeting. The club donated $250 to both organizations.
Our first speaker, Roy Aguilar, manager of the Community Food Bank Green Valley/Amado, spoke eloquently about the needs throughout Southern Arizona and the steps that are taken to address those needs. Monica Gonzales, associate director of the Nogales Community Food Bank, accompanied him. Both Roy and Monica answered questions from attendees.
The organization has 60 distribution locations, serving a five-county area covering 23,000 square miles. It coordinates with about 400 other organizations and takes advantage of a number of federal programs, such as:
• The Temporary Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP)
• The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
• The Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP)
• The Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR)
• The Nutrition Assistance Program (NAP)
The Food Bank also provides input on nutrition. Its culinary skills program helps participants prepare for employment in the food and restaurant industries. There are several programs to provide food and nutrition information through the schools. There is a focus on the special needs of the elderly and disabled.
Attendees in the meeting brought food items and cash donations. Detailed information, including the federal programs listed above, is available on the organization’s website at communityfoodbank.org.
Our second speaker was Kim Eisele, president of The Animal League of Green Valley (TALGV), located at 1600 West Duval Mine Road in Green Valley. Kim provided a history of the League, starting with its founding in 1964. At that time, it was a permanent “retirement” shelter for dogs and cats whose owners were no longer able to care for them or who had died. Over the years, the organization expanded its program and facilities to provide shelter, medical care, fostering in homes, and adoption services. Their vision has become “A Home for Every Pet.” At this time, they are looking for additional land locally to accommodate the demands on their services.
In 1984 TALGV was incorporated in Arizona. In 1985 the IRS approved the League’s status as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt, nonprofit organization.
TALGV sponsors a Youth Intern Program (YIP) for young people from grades 9 through 12. Participants help with the basic needs of maintaining the facility, and also the care and nurturing of the animals. In addition, the League’s community outreach includes a “read to a dog” program in the local schools. This benefits the dogs in improving their comfort level outside of the shelter. It also benefits the students in helping them improve and gain confidence in their reading skills.
The Attic Thrift Shop, located in the facility, provides 17% of the annual income. Readers are encouraged to donate items to and shop in The Attic.
Participants in the meeting brought food items and cash donations. Detailed information is available on the organization’s website at talgv.org.