Valley Churches launch annual service efforts

Valley Churches United started their Annual Holiday Food Drive and Holiday gift shop this week.
The Ben Lomond-based church serves low-income residents in Scotts Valley, San Lorenzo Valley and Bonny Doon every year.
The organization has set up donation barrels throughout the communities where people can drop off canned fruit, yams, pumpkin, soup, peanut butter, jelly or jam, cereal, tuna, canned vegetables, pasta, pasta sauce, boxed rice and pasta meals, macaroni and cheese and dessert items.
Valley Churches United expects to serve more than 700 families, senior citizens and people with physical disabilities this holiday season.
People can drop off bags of groceries at the non-profit’s offices, 9400 Highway 9 in Ben Lomond, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday or 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. The Scotts Valley Chamber of Commerce, 216 B Mt. Hermon Road, and Ben Lomond Gas Station are also accepting donations during their business hours.
People can give online at www.vcum.org or shop at Safeway and donate $10 at the register and the grocer will give a pre-determined list of foods.
The non-profit has also launched their Holiday Gift Shop at their Ben Lomond site.
Shoppers will find decorations, ornaments and gifts weekdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and weekends from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and all the proceeds will go to the organization’s mission to help those in need.
Get more information about both programs at (831)336-8258.