Times- Herald- Salvation Army hands food to 300 families

No need to look for the WD-40 at Monday morning's turkey and food box distribution at the Vallejo Salvation Army. After five years, it's a well-oiled machine.

"It's running very smoothly," said Capt. Jonathan Harvey after pulling up in the Salvation Army's new 20-foot mobile assistance vehicle.

It was basically a pre-Thanksgiving pit-stop for 300 families, with cars pulling into one of two lanes as 20 students from Bethel High School's Interact club and a handful of other volunteers placed boxes in trunks and backseats.

"I think it's really fun," said Cayla Maningo, 16. "It's fun giving back to the community. It gives you a rewarding feeling."

The recipients, added Maningo, "have been very thankful. They feel blessed and happy."

Another Interact member, Marcel Cedeno, 17, worked the Salvation Army's Christmas toy and food giveaway last year and wanted to give the Thanksgiving distribution a shot.

"What I like most is just seeing how grateful these people are to get this food and have a happy Thanksgiving," said Cedeno.

Several adult volunteers chipped in, including Mel Orpilla from U.S. Rep. Mike Thompson's office and Balinda Vasquez.

"Everyone looks very happy," Orpilla said, pointing to a dog in the front seat of a car.

"Even the dog is happy," Orpilla said.

Vasquez volunteered for the first time for the event and was impressed.

"I enjoy giving back to the community," she said. "And the people are very happy, very receiving."

Families needed to sign up for a voucher to receive a turkey, fresh vegetables, bread, and non-perishables. For the first time, a new system allowed for cross-referencing with other agencies to prevent abuse, said Capt. Vickie Harvey.

"It's all computerized, which is fabulous," she said.

Motorists pulling up and getting the food all appeared grateful, Harvey added.

"A lot of smiles today and ‘thank-yous.' It's a good day," she said.

The ideal sunny skies wasn't lost on the captain as much of the country withstands freezing temperatures.

"No snow. We're happy," she said.

Similar food distribution by the Salvation Army in Vacaville and Fairfield occurs today, said Jonathan Harvey.

"It is a cycle in some ways for a lot of people, but we do see the success stories," he said.

Harvey said he received a donation from someone last year who previously received food and toys for her kids at the Salvation Army's Christmas giveaway, which is Dec. 19.

"She was laid off and struggling to make ends meet," Harvey said. "The following year, she came back and made a donation because we made such an impact on her life. We do see people who get back on their feet."

Many people work multiple jobs, said Harvey, and if one job is lost or if hours are cut, people need help.

"It's a perpetual problem," he said.

All donations to the Community Christmas Card are tax-deductible and administered by the Solano Community Foundation. Send checks payable to Community Christmas Card Fund to the Times-Herald, 440 Curtola Parkway, Vallejo, CA., 94590.

Donations may be made online at www.solanocf.org.