I presided over the meeting of Adventist Health’s Central Valley Health Foundation’s Board of Directors meeting this past Friday. Many people aren’t aware of all the great things Adventist Health does in the Central Valley region. One of the many things it does is to offer two warehouses of items many individuals and families may need but cannot afford.
Adventist has teamed up with World Vision International to ship items returned to Costco to two warehouses in the central valley, one in Hanford and one in Reedley. These items are then distributed through local non-profit and church organizations. Items include everything from beds and bedding to barbeques, bicycles, and televisions. Almost any household item you can think of that may be in a Costco might be available at one of these warehouses.
A recent donation of a simple barbeque to a local men’s halfway house was met with great gratitude, and a few tears, because, as one house member put it, “We usually feel forgotten by society. This reminded us that we are not forgotten.”
There are countless stories like this occurring almost daily. The need is great.
I’m honored to be a member of the Board of Directors of this generous foundation. Adventist Health’s Central Valley Health Foundation’s next large project is getting a free mobile care unit on the road, so that health care can get delivered to patients lacking transportation and/or money. I’ll keep you updated on the progress of this project.