On Sept. 26, a dozen members of the La Crescenta Woman’s Club (LCWC) joined in an international volunteer opportunity by collecting about $450 in food items for the YWCA Glendale & Pasadena’s food pantry. The LCWC held the event to support the General Federation of Women’s Clubs International Day of Service, the purpose of which is helping to end domestic and sexual violence across the United States and internationally.

The YWCA operates a comprehensive Domestic Violence Supportive Services Program that includes residential and non-residential programs to support survivors’ safety and healing, as well as offering violence prevention education. The organization’s food pantry directly addresses survivors’ food insecurity by providing staple items such as soups, cereal, canned vegetables, and healthy snacks.  

However, the food pantry is relatively small and, according to YWCA leadership, the food supplies are rapidly depleted as the pantry serves the agency’s 16-bed shelter as well as clients in other emergency housing. The LCWC members delivered approximately 14 bags of food from the YMCA’s wish list to help restock the pantry and the club hopes to provide continuing support in the future.

The YWCA Glendale & Pasadena (https://ywcagp.org/) offers a number of ways to support their domestic violence programs, such as cash donations or purchasing items from their shelter wish list. 

The LCWC (https://lacrescentawomansclub.org/) is always seeking individuals who’d like to make a difference in the Crescenta Valley community while building friendships. The club offers both day and evening meetings.