Foothill Unity needs turkeys, pies

With less than a week to go before handing out holiday food boxes to 1,500 families, Foothill Unity Center has fewer turkeys and pies than ever before.

“The level of this year’s shortfall is unprecedented,” said Joan Whitenack, the Center’s soon=to-retire Executive Director. Nonetheless, Whitenack says, she’s confident that the community will come through with enough turkeys and pies (or funds to purchase them) in time for the two-day Holiday Food and Toy Distribution, to be presented on Sunday and Monday, December 18 and 19, in Ayres Hall at the Los Angeles County Arboretum.

About 3,000 children are expected to participate in the distribution. On the 18th, reserved for families with children, each family will not only receive a food box, but take home an opaque bag pre-packed with new toys and clothing for each child. Since the gifts are not visible, parents can wrap and give them as part of their own holiday traditions. Children will also enjoy fun activities, special drawings and a chance to share their wishes with Santa. The event on the 19th is reserved for adult-only families, including many seniors.

One easy way to donate pies is to dine at Coco’s and take advantage of the restaurant’s Pies for a Purpose. At many local Coco’s, diners are invited to buy an extra pie for the restaurant to give to Foothill Unity Center.

Those short on shopping time are invited to donate funds to help the Center fill in the gaps. They can contribute securely online by clicking the Donate Now button on either the Center’s website, or its Facebook page. Checks may be mailed to or dropped off at Foothill Unity Center, 415 West Chestnut Avenue, Monrovia CA, 91016.

— By Scott Hettrick