Long Beach resident Michael James Brown was fortunate to be a contestant on the nationally syndicated game show ‘Wheel of Fortune” in January. Although he didn’t win the final puzzle worth $30,000, he did manage to win almost $15,000 in cash and prizes, including a trip to Barbados.
“I was very fortunate to win the trip to Barbados, the spa.com package, etc. All the gifts were more than I expected and the cash was an added bonus,” Brown said.
When he came home that night he saw a commercial for Feed The Children that reminded him of something he had wanted to do for years but had placed in the back of his mind.
“I was aware that Feed the Children had a program where you could sponsor trucks of food to specific cities. I thought ‘why not sponsor a truck for families in Long Beach?'” he said. “I sent an e-mail and FTC quickly responded that they still have the truck sponsorship program and all I need to do was get my project approved.” Each truck provides enough food and essentials for 400 families of four for one week.
After sending in the application, Brown found out that the nearest FTC distribution center was located nearby in the City of Industry. He was also informed that a federally recognized nonprofit organization had to be involved to receive the truck(s).
He contacted the office of Councilperson Suja Lowenthal, and chief of staff Broc Howard passed his information on to Arlene Mercer, the executive director of Food Finders.
Within minutes of talking with Arlene, Brown realized that Food Finders was the perfect organization to help find the people and distribute the food. In less than an hour, she proceeded to fill him in on the various ongoing projects and the new store and helped him understand the reach of the organization.
“I was completely unaware that food and supplies were being distributed to more than 215 agencies in Los Angeles and Orange counties from the small building on Atlantic. My goal is to use some of the money I won from the show to help raise more money so we can bring at least one truck this year to Long Beach. Then let Food Finders do what they do best and distribute it in the Los Angeles and Orange counties areas where the need is greatest.”
For additional information about this project or to learn how individuals and companies can donate, contact Arlene Mercer at Food Finders by calling (562)598-3003. Information is also available online at www.foodfinders.org.
