GRATEFUL FOR THE HELP—Karen Jensen of FOOD Share, center, receives a donation from Julie Jenson, manager of Chuy’s Simi Valley West, and the restaurant’s co-owner Randy Diprima, during a special presentation last month. For every $1 FOOD Share receives, the nonprofit food bank can purchase more than $7 worth of food. FOOD Share recently was presented with nearly $11,000 in donations from the Simi Valley community by Southern California Edison, Chuy’s Simi Valley West and the Channel Islands 4x4 Club. Royal High School students donated 7,620 pounds of food.

“We are very grateful to the community of Simi Valley for the generous donations and ongoing commitment,” said Bonnie Weigel, CEO of FOOD Share. “All of the donations received will go a long way toward feeding Ventura’s County’s hungry.”

On Dec. 9, Glen Becerra, Simi Valley council member and chief of staff for the local public affairs division of Southern California Edison presented a $10,000 grant from SCE to Weigel.

FOOD Share received additional funding when the Channel Islands 4x4 Club and Chuy’s Simi Valley West hosted a fundraising event on Dec. 12. Arriving in 4x4 vehicles decorated in holiday themes, participants contributed $693. Restaurant owners Randy Diprima and Mike Dubreuil donated $300, for a total donation of $963.

Royal High School conducted a weeklong canned food drive. The 7,620 pounds of food that was collected was delivered to FOOD Share’s warehouse in Oxnard on Dec. 17.

For every $1 FOOD Share receives, the nonprofit food bank can purchase more than $7 worth of food and distribute items to 150 partner agencies and food pantries throughout Ventura County.

In Simi Valley, FOOD Share partners with several pantries, including the Salvation Army of Simi Valley, Samaritan Center, Shepherd of the Valley, St. Rose of Lima Christian Services and New Hope Christian.

For more information, call (805) 983-7100 or visit www .foodshare.com.