Press Telegram - 10/17/08

Blaze can't dim food bank's work

Calvary Chapel of North Long Beach's Bread of Life food bank is looking for help from the community in the wake of a fire that destroyed the facility's food supplies late Wednesday night.

Firefighters and arson investigators responded to the scene, and the fire is still under investigation.

Investigators are checking possible leads on other arson activity in the neighborhood, said Joshua Johnson, spokesman for the Long Beach Fire Department.

"We are so thankful for the quick response of Fire Station 11 and the quick knockdown of the fire," said Sally Atkinson, the pastor's wife. "We could have lost the whole building."

Although the fire was contained to the building, it destroyed all the year-round food bank's supplies. The organization serves about 120 people a month, which, according to Atkinson, actually represents about 400 people since many are gathering food for their families.

"We've been here 14 years and I think it's just a handful of people who know about the food bank," Atkinson said. "We just want to be a blessing to the community. That's what our church is here for, to reach out to the community and do some good; to help break the ongoing cycle of not having enough."

The food bank, which gives out food every third Wednesday of the month, was burned only hours after the church's monthly food giveaway.

"We were the recipients of the post office food in May and that was our biggest loss," Atkinson said. "A lot of food goods and canned goods were lost." 

For 14 years donations have come from several places.

"We receive donations from the post office food drive and contributions through our church," Atkinson said. "We encourage our church members to bring canned goods all the time, and we also pick up items from Costco and Albertsons donates baked goods and bread. Another place donates tortillas."

Javier Loeza, manager of neighboring business Big J Carpet & Supply, has offered to provide space for food storage.

"They do a lot and it's admirable to see them every Wednesday have all these people come out," he said. "It's really amazing. They are giving away free food. It's nice to see that, especially in North Long Beach."

The retail store, which sells carpet and flooring goods, celebrates one year in the neighborhood on Nov. 1.

"Anything they need ... if they need space, I have a warehouse here to store things," Loeza said.

According to Atkinson, Overland Pacific and Cutler Inc., the owners of the building the church rents to house the food bank, has agreed to make repairs.

"Redevelopment hauled off all the contaminated food and they are going to replace the freezers and refrigerators lost in the fire," she said. "They've been great. It's amazing how they've responded to this."

With the holidays quickly approaching, the fire has put the bank in dire need of donations.

"It's a community effort, so it would be great if the community could help out. The help is especially needed with Thanksgiving just around the corner," Atkinson said. "We give all types of food to make a meal and we like to give things that can complete a Thanksgiving meal for them also."

The food bank is in need of nonperishable foods that it can store and pack up. Closer to Nov. 19, after the refrigerators have been replaced, it can accept more perishable foods.

The church is asking for the community's help to restore the food bank's ability to give.

"Come every month and see the big lines and you will stare and be in awe of all these hungry people," said Loeza. "Give, there's a lot of needy people here in North Long Beach."

"These are hard times for everyone and these families are in need so it would really help if the community could help these families," Atkinson said.

pam.hale@presstelegram.com, 562-499-1476.

YOU CAN HELP

Organization: Calvary Chapel of North Long Beach Bread of Life Food Bank

Needs: Nonperishable foods are needed until mid-November, when more perishable foods can be accepted

Location: 5722 Lime Ave., Long Beach

Information: 562-423-0447