Valley Churches scrambling for food

With the holidays fast approaching and more people than ever in need, Valley Churches United Missions is scrambling to ensure that the charity has enough donations to help struggling families have something to eat this winter.
The organization’s 29th annual Holiday Project relies on donated items, such as turkeys, food vouchers to purchase fresh food and canned goods — everything needed for a holiday meal — which will be given to families on designated distribution days at the VCUM headquarters in Ben Lomond.
This year, however, with more and more people struggling because of the bleak economy, the nonprofit is struggling to collect enough donations to help everyone.
A series of events and collections designed to raise awareness and donations — particularly grocery store gift certificates, cash and food — are planned over the weekend throughout Scotts Valley and the San Lorenzo Valley.
Friday, Nov. 18
Century 21 Community Food Drive
When: 5 to 7 p.m.
Where: 235 Mount Hermon Road in Scotts Valley
Details: Those who take a bag of food or give a cash donation will receive a free raffle ticket for prizes that include a 3G iPad. Participants can enjoy snacks and wine tasting to benefit Valley Churches United Missions.
Saturday, Nov. 19
**Donation collection in Scotts Valley
When: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Scotts Valley Safeway, 253 Mount Hermon Road
Details: The Bushard family and friends will be on hand to accept gifts of food, cash and food certificates for VCUM.
**Donation collection in Felton
Where: Felton Safeway, 6255 Graham Hill Road
When: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Details: Kiwanis volunteers will accept food, cash and food certificates to benefit VCUM.