Haydee with her 7-year-old daughter at the La Voz food pantry.

Volunteering has now become a family affair too

A year ago, Haydee made a big move with her three daughters, ages 15, 13 and 7. “It was December of 2022,” she said. “I left Mexico, trying to give my girls a better life. My dad and my uncle helped me come to California.

“I am a single mother and was struggling with money, and how to provide food—I didn’t have a job. My dad was the only income provider.”

Haydee met Angela, a neighbor, who told her about the La Voz Sylmar Seventh-Day Adventist Church food pantry. “I went with her five times,” she said. “The staff helped and supported me with food and many prayers. I fell in love with what they, along with the Valley Food Bank, do to help others.”

Haydee now volunteers with one of her daughters every Thursday at the pantry. “(My daughter) loves how all the volunteers and staff treat her,” Haydee said. “We both love helping and feel like a family.”

Haydee said she’s so grateful to God that she can make healthy meals for her father and daughters with all the fresh food La Voz and the Valley Food Bank provide her family. “Thank you to La Voz Sylmar for letting me be a part of this by volunteering, and thank you Valley Food Bank for all the food you supply, along with the donors.

“Thank you for helping me and my family—I am grateful we did not end up homeless. God bless you always.”

The La Voz Sylmar Seventh-Day Adventist Church food pantry, located at 13550 Herron St., operates every Thursday from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.