In 2007, the Crawford's were able to retire from their high stress jobs at Lawrence Livermore Lab - David a computer scientist and Lorraine a weapons program secretary, both working daily with DOE, DOD, Homeland Security, NSA and more Government agencies with more acronyms - to settle down in Copperopolis and make beautiful wine together. Within a year Copper became "home" and they had begun to attend Copper Canyon Baptist Church where they met Don Hopper who told them about the efforts of the local food pantry to meet the needs of Copperopolis residents in need. One meeting with the food pantry folks and the Crawford's knew their calling to the foothills had taken a circuitous route through wine making and canning to helping those in need.
Becoming active in the food pantry fulfilled a part in the Crawford's lives that their previously busy lives had yet to allow them to fulfill. Within a year of volunteering with the food pantry David was asked if he would chair the food pantry committee when Richard DeBussman stepped down, his response was, "Yes, if Lorraine is vice-chair." So became the dynamic duo.
Soon thereafter the food pantry became part of a program called Feeding America through the Resource Connection whereby the local food pantrys' can obtain fresh produce for 3c per pound. Allowing the Copperopolis Food Pantry to bring quality produce to the community. Their efforts to bring food to those in need did not stop there as they penned a grant in 2011 and again in 2012 to the Calaveras Community Foundation who has generously granted the food pantry funds for both years. The Crawfords say this money is budgeted throughout the year to buy high protein foods, as foods high in protein "cost so much" which cause those in a lower income bracket to not be able to afford them.
Approximately 53 families are utilizing the food pantry in Copperopolis with the numbers expected to rise. "This is a high number for February." Said Lorraine explaining how the numbers of families served fluctuates throughout the year with the lowest numbers in the winter months. The food pantry is veiwing this as a sign of things to come and is prepared to meet the needs of all thsoe in the community in need.
If you have ever wondered how the enough food for 53 families arrives at the pantry, well thats also on the Crawfords 'to do' list. They contact local markets for the best deals, sometimes head to Costco, pick up food from San Andreas and locally all to be ready on the third Thursday of the month for distribution.
Recently due to budget constraints the pantry had to move their location to the Lake Tulloch Bible Church with food storage now generously provided by Payless IGA. "We had one week to move and were in a bind. Kevin (owner of IGA) said to call whenever we needed anything...so we called. He was on vacation out of the states and told us we will get something done." Storage of food pantry food is now located at IGA. David said from here on out meat purchases will be from IGA. "They helped us without asking for anything in return, the least we can do is support them."
David and Lorraine both shrug off their efforts as something they are called to and heap all the thanks and kudos to the volunteers that work within the pantry and the community as a whole. "We are able to help so many because of our volunteers and our community. This community is so amazing."
When time permits, David and Lorraine still enjoy wine making and canning as well as bbq's with friends. Grandparents 3 times over and great-grand parents once, they have a lifetime of joys yet to be discovered.
by,
Charity Maness