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16 | THE COLONY NEWS | OCTOBER 2023 | IT'S ALL ABOUT GIVING By Kathleen Ricketts ere is a hidden treasure spot in the Clubhouse that you may not have known about. You don't need a special talent to use this gem, and everyone is invited to take part in its purpose. Perhaps you have walked past it and not noticed it, or maybe you thought, "What is that for?" is treasure spot is located down the long hallway, across from the hair salon and under the bulletin board. at is where you will find three brown wooden bins for specific donations that support local needs… all given by Colony residents. e first bin on the far le is for donations for the Animal Friends of e Valleys. Some of the numerous items you can leave in this bin are towels, blankets, sheets, toys, food, kitty litter, collars, combs, brushes, shampoo, detergent and pet beds. Please, no pillows. e Colony resident who collects these items and delivers them to the Friends Shelter is Linda Weinke. She also accepts items at her home, 23835 Corte Emerado. You may reach her at 951-677- 6402. Monetary donations can be given at the shelter's website, afv. org, and of course adoptions of furry friends are always available. Linda says, "Adopt a pet to save a life and it will in turn save yours." e middle bin is for donations to the Department of Veterans Affairs - VA Loma Linda Healthcare System. All donations go directly to the Veterans. Needed items include gently used men's and women's clothing in all sizes. Other items needed are rain gear, puzzles books, sunscreen, first aid kits, baby blankets, sleeping bags, personal items, medical equipment and baby diapers. Monetary donations are also welcome. Please make your check payable to VA Loma Linda Healthcare System. Denise Sturm is the resident who collects and delivers these donations. She also accepts donations at her home, 40239 Via Marisa, or she will pick them up at your home. You can reach her at 949- 632-6552. Denise says, "anks for your generosity in supporting our Veterans. Freedom does not come without a cost." e bin on the right is where you can leave donations for the Murrieta Food Pantry, which is located at the Murrieta United Methodist Church. For many years, Colony residents, including myself, have supported the Food Pantry and some of us volunteer our time for the food distribution each week that feeds roughly 150 families. Donated items must be unopened and not beyond the "use by date." Frozen items and fresh produce should not be le in this bin. Acceptable items include all canned goods, cake mixes, pasta, coffee, cooking oil, flour, sugar, cereal, soup, peanut butter, jelly, etc. I collect the donations in this bin and deliver them to the Food Pantry each week. You may also leave items at my home, 40250 Via Ambiente, or call me at 951-894-1919 and I will pick them up. Monetary donations should be payable to Murrieta United Methodist Church and write Food Pantry on the memo line of your check. Colony residents are always so generous with their donations, and many of our clubs have collected food and donated money to e Pantry. It is heartbreaking to think there are people out there going hungry. Everything helps. Help us keep those bins filled! Neighbors Helping Neighbors Neighbors came together and helped Sharon Boll pack up her sister's clothes