Doug and Janet Montandon, working out of the First Team Real Estate San Clemente office, have hosted an annual food drive every holiday season for the past 16 years with Family Assistance Ministries (FAM). But this year, the two saw the need to organize their neighborhood food drive early and sprang into action to make a difference in the communities they call home.
A non-profit organization in Orange County offering resources to the community including food, shelter, and more, FAM saw demand triple in the month of April due to the coronavirus outbreak. So, Doug and Janet worked quickly to send out letters, hand out bags, and coordinate pick-up for a much-needed food drive.
“The demand for help was clear, so we got to work contacting our 750 local homeowners within The Hill neighborhood of San Clemente,” explains Doug. “Our goal was to collect 1,000 pounds of food and $1,000, and in just over a week we were able to collect 2,000 pounds of food and over $5,000! It was truly amazing to see the generosity of our little community.”
Working all day from 9 am to 5 pm before the Memorial Day weekend, Doug and Janet went door to door collecting bags and donations left out on doorsteps, along with one very big check, to bring to the FAM resource center in San Clemente. The two presented the check and supplies to Mary Purdue, Chief Development Officer of FAM.
“We at FAM are so grateful to Doug, Janet, and all of their neighbors for helping us feed people in need,” shared Mary. “In April, FAM provided over 1,000 households with food – 300 of which were new clients due to the coronavirus. The resources gathered through this food drive will be put to very good use,” said Mary Purdue. Providing more than meals, FAM services include personalized counseling to help individuals bridge the gap from dependency to self-sufficiency including education and assistance with rent, utilities, and taxes.
It’s not too late to donate and contribute to the food drive. If you are interested in helping, please call (949) 291-4820, and Doug and Janet will make special arrangements to pick up your FAM donation.