Since their founding nearly 90 years ago, Farmers Insurance has valued working with purpose and creating a meaningful impact. They have a commitment to serve the communities where their customers, agents, and employees live, work, and play.

As Farmers strives to maintain a high standard of corporate citizenship, they dedicate time and resources to three important areas: disaster resilience, education, and civic engagement. During the past month, various groups from a variety of departments have volunteered their time at the Food Bank helping to glean fresh fruits and vegetables as well as check thousands of donated cans and dry goods for quality. These hard working, dedicated individuals bring meaning to their program – Farmers Cares.

John C. Tyler, co-founder of Farmers Insurance said: “The measure of our worth is not what we have done for ourselves, but what we have done for others.”

Sylvia has been coming to the Leaves of Healing Food Ministry for the last three years. She had been in an independent living program, alone, pregnant, and without enough food.

Now, her little boy Tony is 3 years old and Sylvia has developed a relationship with Tony’s father. He comes occasionally, but had a stroke two months ago and must be in a wheelchair. Sylvia takes care of him too.

She loves the food ministry and helps in preparing the food every week for all the people, always with a good outlook, smiling and upbeat. Sylvia is hoping to work with a veterinary office. She loves to help people.

Submitted by Dr. Loraine Coconato, Senior Pastor – Leaves of Healing Tabernacle

When Glenn closed down his tree-service business seven years ago, he didn’t quite retire. His desire to give back to his community—and beyond—was strong, and he immediately increased his volunteerism through his church, Shepherd Church in Porter Ranch.

“I figure, I’ve earned my money in life with my business, so now my wife and I are focused on serving people from all kinds of walks of lives,” Glenn said. “It’s unbelievable the satisfaction you get in your heart. I’m more than happy to do it.” A little over a year ago, Glenn was trying to raise money for a mission trip to Tecate, Mexico, where he was helping out a school for deaf and mute children. “There was some devastation in Texas at the time, and people were helping to relieve that crisis,” Glenn said. “I didn’t receive any money for my trip. But a friend connected me with Will at the Valley Food Bank, and he helped me put together a pallet of food and drinks for the kids. I told them when I left, ‘When I get back, I’ll be serving with you guys.’”

Glenn kept his word and has been volunteering at the food bank Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays for more than a year now. “When I got back, I came in and they showed me the various things they needed done, from repacking food that comes in to sweeping floors. I’ve met so many volunteers from different businesses, schools, churches—some of the guys I work with have been there for years. Some were caught up in drinking or drugs, and they got out of all that and are now serving. The camaraderie that’s built when all these people are coming together is incredible.”

Being able to witness how the food bank helps those in need in the community has been inspiring, Glenn said. “It’s just phenomenal the amount of food that comes in and goes out to the homeless and to the various charities. They do an incredible job. It’s fantastic the way they organize this thing.”

Glenn has been married for 46 years, and has two daughters and two grandchildren. He lives in Mission Hills. “It’s in my heart to do this—it’s just a calling I have,” Glenn said. “I’ve gained things in my life, and I have time on my hands now. I have a giving heart. If someone is in need, I give to them what I can, help them out in any way. It’s rewarding in my life to help people. It’s about being the hands and feet of God.”