The Van Horn Community Christian Shelter met on May 4 with Board Members Edna Clark, Beth Gary, Mario Villanueva, John Clark, Barbara Buford, Pastor Jerry Donovan, and Norma Balcazar in attendance. Shelter Managers Jennifer and Samantha Cabezuela and guests Patti Scott and Riki Watson were also present.
During the month of April, the Shelter had a successful Bake Sale, its Grand Reopening with around 100 citizens attending, and participated in the Town of Van Horn’s Spring Cleanup. Two portable air conditioning units were purchased with the proceeds from the April Bake Sale.
The El Pasoans Fighting Hunger Food Bank inspected the Shelter and approved the facility as an Emergency Food Bank. In addition to the Food Bank located on West Broadway, the Shelter can now provide foods for families in need any day of the week.
A recent trip into El Paso for Food Bank purchases has already reaped the benefits of the program as the Shelter has provided food to a local needy family. The Shelter will pay an average of 10 cents per pound for food and supplies. That food is provided to the needy at no charge to them.
The Health Department kitchen is scheduled for May. Once that is accomplished, the Shelter will provide summer lunches for children, evening meals for the elderly, and full service inside the building for in-house guests.
Members approved having a Pancake Breakfast on June 24, during Frontier Days.
The Economic Development Committee provided the resources to have a new sign painted on the west wall of the Shelter building.
Volunteers are needed to help sort and store clothing that has been donated to the Shelter. A Dress for Success Program will begin once all the clothing is sorted out. Additionally, volunteers are needed to help paint the building during the month of June.
The Town of Van Horn offers a special program for the Shelter, Rainbow Daycare, and other nonprofit agencies. Anyone who wishes to donate to either facility can go to City Hall and have any amount added to city utility bills. A check for the total amount of monthly donations will then be made to the Shelter or Daycare.
All donations are tax deductible.
For any questions or assistance, contact the Van Horn Community Christian Shelter at 432-283-1631 or stop by 210 E. Broadway.
All donations and volunteer hours are greatly appreciated.
