News from AAP Food Samaritans. Save the Date October 11

I hope you enjoyed a safe and happy Fourth of July weekend filled with friends, family, and celebration. As the fireworks fade and we settle into the heart of summer, I am reminded that independence can mean many different things. For the clients of AAP Food Samaritans, it can mean having the nourishment and support necessary to remain healthy, maintain dignity, and continue living independently despite chronic illness and financial hardship.

Summer is an especially difficult season for many of the people we serve. Extreme desert temperatures bring higher utility bills, increased isolation, and difficult choices between food, medicine, housing, and other essential expenses. At the same time, seasonal charitable giving often slows as many residents leave the Coachella Valley for cooler climates.

Our clients, however, remain right here — and so does their need. AAP Food Samaritans continues providing food assistance throughout the summer, ensuring that our neighbors living with chronic and life-threatening illnesses do not have to face these challenges alone. A gift of $750 helps provide food assistance for five clients for one month, but every contribution, at every level, makes a meaningful difference.

This month, we are especially pleased to recognize Eisenhower Health for their compassionate and continuing support of our mission. Their generosity represents the very best of our community: organizations and individuals working together to help vulnerable neighbors live with greater health, security, and hope.

We are deeply grateful to all our donors, volunteers, community partners, and friends. Whether you contribute financially, attend an event, share our message, or introduce someone new to our work, you are an essential part of the AAP Food Samaritans family.

Please also save the date for Saturday, October 11, when we will gather for a special AAP Food Samaritans Garden Party during the Columbus Day and Indigenous Peoples’ Day weekend. October 11 is also National Coming Out Day, making it an especially meaningful occasion to celebrate courage, visibility, friendship, and community — values that have always been central to the history and mission of AAP Food Samaritans.

Additional details about the Garden Party, including location, entertainment, sponsorship opportunities, and ticket information, will be announced soon. We hope you will join us.

As we celebrate the freedoms and opportunities represented by the Fourth of July, let us also remember the responsibility we share to care for one another. Your summer gift will help ensure that our clients continue receiving the nourishment, compassion, and dignity they deserve.

With gratitude and warm wishes for a safe and healthy summer,

Mark Anton
C.E.O./Executive Director
AAP Food Samaritans