COLUSA, CA (MPG) — The nonprofit organization A Hand Up held its October meeting at the home of Marilyn Davison to honor outgoing president John Vafis for 17 years of service and to welcome Susan Walsh as his successor.
Vafis and Robin Rauch, helped launch the organization in 2008 by making sack lunches for seven homeless individuals living along the levee. The effort grew into a community meal program that now serves three noon meals each week, supported by volunteers from five local churches and donations from Save Mor and Egling Middle School.
“There were times when local restaurants like Cairo’s and Market Street provided meals,” members noted in the meeting minutes. “God continues to provide help for the program to survive.”
Before moving to the East Coast with his wife Diane, Vafis thanked the volunteers who have kept the program going for nearly two decades. Walsh, who has been active in local outreach efforts, agreed to take on the role of president.