Fair Oaks Community Center

It is fun to bag brown Bags Bring food To the tables Ladies 1^st two thumbs up

Volunteered here a while back through Hands on Bay Area. This was a really great project b/​c we were so busy the whole time. I love it when I feel like I’ve worked and done a ton when I volunteer and hate it when I’m standing around waiting for stuff to do.
My friend and I got there about 10 minutes late and already saw the line of people waiting for the store to open wrapped around the building. When we walked it, things were already in full motion. We jumped right in and started breaking down ginormo bags of onions into smaller bags and then shortly after that moved on to the carrots. As we got closer to the store opening time we got recruited to man the «canned station». We were responsible for canned veggies, «special» canned goods (mostly chili really), and the peanut butter (which was rejected about 50% of the time — I guess it’s a cultural thing). We helped «shoppers» with this section and it was cool to interact and help everyone.
Another thing to mention is the closing process. I guess there are a group of kids like high school age that volunteer regularly there. They are machines when it comes to cleaning up! Once the store is closed everyone tidied up, swept the floor, moved garbage outside, all without being asked. Those kids were amazing.
Definitely a great project — you are busy, you see the people you are helping, and you work with some awesome people.

After volunteering for the Family Harvest Food Distribution through Hands On Bay Area, I didn’t know much about the building or what they do. I just knew of it since I was growing up. I remembered the mural on the outside.
So I found out that they not only do a Food Distribution in partnership with Second Harvest Food Bank for low income families they also have a separate one for the elderly members of the community.
They have days and events for Residents to apply for US Citizenship and get help with the application and even Citizenship classes. They have a large multi use room that can be use for parties or event (of course, a fee and registration is required)
The entire staff here is great, I know that for the Food Distribution they all lend a hand even when their job is to be in the office they step in and help. Thank you for all you do for our community!