When the food pantry needs help, the people of Moorpark should listen. The Moorpark Food Pantry is incredibly depleted because of the many people it has helped during the year. Officially we have helped l8,000 people in the past year, but the holidays are coming and the facility is far short of the provisions needed for the upcoming holiday season.

We encourage local community groups, service clubs, schools and churches to respond to our request. We are asking this again so that the tireless work that Mr. Ruben Castro has done in the past may continue.

Please talk with your friends and neighbors, coworkers and others to rally support for food donations. By all means please look into your own cupboards and donate some extra food and canned goods.

Buy a frozen turkey and drop it off. Reach into your pockets and give some money to the Moorpark Food Pantry or buy a supermarket gift card. You’ll fill some stomachs and warm some hearts over the holiday season, not the least of which will be your own heart. That’s what the season is truly about—giving to others what they really need.

The Moorpark Food Pantry at 609 Fitch Ave. is open to take all food, including fresh or frozen meat, to help local people through a chilly and difficult winter.

If you have any questions, please call (805) 529-0720. And God bless you for helping. Ron O’Neill Moorpark