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| SUN LAKES LIFESTYLES | FEBRUARY 2026 | 5 Community Awareness Program By Linda Vieira The Community Awareness Group featured an extensive program about the need for volunteers in the Banning/Beaumont area. Gloria Bramasco represented Banning Unified School District. She described the need for volunteers in school offices, classrooms, on school or class projects, field trips, and even in the Athletic Departments. If interested, contact her at (951) 922-0204. Sun Laker Doug Emery represented the Make a Wish Foundation, the largest wish-granting organization in the country. For 40 years it has granted over 615,000 wishes, and has become an international organization, supported by grants and donations. It needs volunteers in many areas. For information, go to makeawish.org, or contact Emery at (951) 377-1145 or emeryd1212@gmail.com. Emery also represented the Laura May Stewart Foundation, which provides grants to charitable and civic causes in Banning and Beaumont. He explained that land from the Stewart family is what Sun Lakes was built on, as was other large areas in both cities. In the last 50 years, the Foundation has given out over $5 million in grants. For information on how to become involved, contact Emery at (951) 377-1145 or emeryd1212@gmail.com. Sun Laker Kathy Faber represented Table of Plenty, a food kitchen that prepares and serves hot meals to 250-300 people every Wednesday from 11:30 am to 1 pm at the Beaumont Presbyterian Church, 702 Euclid Avenue in Beaumont. For information, call (909) 372-1811 or visit tableofplenty.org. H.E.L.P. was represented by Sun Laker Patrick Froehle who described the group's activities for the last 44 years as a food bank and thrift store, providing food and clothing to about 10,000 families each year. Volunteers are always needed at 53 S. 6th Street in Banning. Call (951) 922-2305 for more information. Faith in Action was represented by Lucy Martin, who described how the organization provides services to people in the Pass area who face barriers and need help to move from crisis to stability. Located at 1735 W. Ramsey, suite 102 in Banning, volunteers help the unhoused move forward, and even strives to prevent homelessness. Its hours are Monday to Friday from 10 am to 2 pm. For information, call (951) 922-0111. Carol's Kitchen was represented by Susannah Duncan. The office is located at 244 Maple Avenue, suite W in Beaumont, but it provides 5,000 to 6,000 meals each month at locations in Banning, Beaumont, Cabazon, and Hemet. It also provides clothes and personal products. Call (909) 284-4104 or visit carolskitchen.org for more information. The Community Awareness Group meets in the ballroom on the first Tuesday of the month from 1 to 3 pm. For more information, contact Michele Walter at (951) 202-8009. SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING. PLEASE REPORT ANY SUSPICIOUS INDIVIDUALS, ACTIVITIES, AND THEFTS DIRECTLY TO BANNING POLICE DEPARTMENT, CALL 911! Looking for volunteers at the Community Awareness Group meeting were (L to R): Gloria Bramasco from Banning High School, Pat Froehle from HELP, Michele Walter, Kathy Faber from Table of Plenty, Lucy Martin from Faith in Action, Doug Emery from Make A Wish and the Laura May Stewart Foundation, and Susannah Duncan and Peter Fernandez from Carol's Kitchen.