By Khalida Sarwari
Merchants throughout Los Gatos and Saratoga are teaming up to help the Second Harvest Food Bank stock their pantry for Thanksgiving and the upcoming holidays by participating in “Thanks for Giving Week” from Nov. 17 to 23.
The initiative is part of the Second Harvest Food Bank’s annual holiday food drive, co-chaired by Barracuda Networks CEO and Los Gatos resident B.J. Jenkins. Jenkins’ goal is to raise $15 million. Last year, a total of $13.2 million was raised and 2 million pounds of food were donated.
“It’s gratifying to see how the entire community rallies around such an important cause,” Jenkins said.
To help in this effort, the community is encouraged to patronize participating businesses and donate food and/or money to the drive. The food bank is accepting all non-perishable food donations but could especially use meals in a can, such as stew, chili or soup; tuna and canned meat; peanut butter; canned foods with pop-top lids; low-sugar cereals; 100 percent fruit juices in single-serving boxes; canned fruit packed in juice; and canned vegetables with a low salt content. Items packaged in glass will not be accepted.
Many retailers are offering perks for donating, such as complimentary treats, discounts, gifts and other promotions.
At California Cafe, customers can trade in a food donation for a complimentary amuse-bouche; Icing on the Cake will also be giving out a free treat for a food donation; at Los Gatos Roasting Company, a food donation and purchase of fresh-roasted coffee beans will get customers a 10 percent discount as well as a 12-ounce cup of coffee; and at Rootstock, customers will receive 10 percent off of a purchase with a food donation.
The participating retail businesses are Automobuild, Azuca, Harvest, JCO’s Place, Kismet, Lisa T Fine Jewelry, Lorenzini, Los Gatos Theatre, Napa Style, Pharmaca, Powell’s, Shoe Candy, Sportissimo, The Bird Watcher, The Barn Owl, Yellow Brick Road, Title 9, White House Black Market and 4 Ever Fit.
Even wineries are getting involved in the fun. This year’s participating wineries are Testarossa, Big Basin Vineyards, Burrell School Vineyards, Cinnabar Winery, Cooper Garrod Winery, M4 Tasting Room, MJA Vineyards, Ruthe Roberts, Vine Life, Vines of Los Gatos and Wrights Station. Nearly all of the wineries are offering a discount of at least 10 percent off all bottle purchases, while some are throwing in a free wine tasting or cheese platter.
Alternatively, cash donations can be made by visiting Second Harvest Food Bank’s website atshfb.org/donateonline.
Since its inception in 1974, the Second Harvest Food Bank of Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties has provided food to nearly a quarter-million people who live in low-income communities from Daly City to Gilroy each month. The food bank does this through its direct-service programs and by collaborating with a network of more than 330 nonprofit agencies operating at 770 different food distribution sites, including shelters, pantries, soup kitchens, children’s programs, senior meal sites and residential programs.
