Making A Difference That Matters

Stories that Inspire.

Victories to Celebrate.

Stay connected with all the good work the Rescue Mission Alliance Valley Food Bank is doing.

Retired LAPD Commander Gives Back Through Food Bank Volunteerism

For nearly 39 years, Val Paniccia worked for the Los Angeles Police Department, retiring a decade ago as the commander in charge of the San Fernando Valley. In the years that followed, he stayed busy, serving as an usher at his church, Living Faith in Northridge, and spending time with his wife of 48 years,…

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Eagerly Anticipating Food Pantry Visits

Meet Lee, a regular recipient at our pantry for almost three years now. She and the eight members of her family always anticipate the day when they meet us at the food pantry. She comes early, second in line if not the first. According to Lee, the food she receives is a big help to…

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Medical Issue Restricts Work, But Doesn’t Stop Elizabeth From Providing For Her Family

Elizabeth is a mother of three children who are 3, 4, and 11 years old. Elizabeth suffers from pulmonary embolism which has caused blood clots in her right lung and restricts her mobility and ability to work. It’s a disease that has caused much financial burden to the Lorenzo family. Her husband Mateo does all…

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A Bounty For A Family Of 10

When we asked Gladys if it would be OK to include a picture of her family, she said, “Sure,” and then added, “All of them?” Gladys sent her oldest sibling, Erik, to get the family together and in true older brother form, he did. We counted six children. But Gladys quickly added that there was…

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Decorated Marine Veteran, Engineer Seeks Help

Michael is a 62-year-old U.S. Marine Vietnam Veteran. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal and the Vietnam Service Medal with one campaign star. There is a quote by German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche he holds on to dearly: “What does not kill you makes you stronger.” With the end of his military service, Michael…

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After A Sudden Change In Plans, Daughter Becomes Provider

Celidonia and her daughter Weng were first-time visitors to the food pantry last month. They were invited by one of the members of The House and were very grateful for the food they received. Cely lost her husband last year due to a sudden sickness and Weng took over as the main provider for her…

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Life Center Is A Refuge To The Community

It does not take long for even a newcomer to realize that Calvary Baptist of Pacoima’s weekly food pantry boasts a special ambiance. This Thursday, some 80 people will walk into the U-shaped driveway of the Life Center that the church has designated as its pantry, eager not just for food, but also to see…

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Larry Receives Food, Love At Rock Of The Valley

The cost of living in the greater Los Angeles area continues to be a challenge for many. After paying the bills, little is often left to buy food. We believe everyone should have access to food. Our goal is to help meet people’s basic needs with love and kindness. With the help of Rescue Mission…

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Tammy Served Her Country—And Now Her Neighbors

Tammy, a retired Master Sergeant in the Air Force, volunteers her time faithfully every month to help the Antelope Valley Dream Center organize and hand out food and other necessities to families in need. She goes out of her way to lead people and encourage others to step in and fill the gap. We are…

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Out of Food and Out of Gas

Submitted by Pastor Paul Kim, Senior Pastor, The House – A Church Family Marie and her beautiful daughter visited one of our pantries recently. From among the crowd they stood out because of their big smiles and copious “thank you’s.” When Marie was offered some corn, she declined. Since she didn’t have any place to…

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Hopeful That Better Times are Ahead

With reports that the economy is strong, it can be difficult to comprehend why millions of Americans continue to receive support from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), often referred to as food stamps. According to the USDA, most SNAP recipients who can work, do work. Ann and her son are one of many working…

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Pantry Provides Relief For Struggling Family

When Judy’s husband Bob lost his job as a civil engineer during the downturn in the economy, all the air was let out of the family’s financial balloon. A one-income family with two teen children, Bob and Judy quickly burned through their savings while he looked in vain for work in his field. Judy took…

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