[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 69 (Thursday, May 16, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E824-E825]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           1996 TRIBUTE TO SENIOR GLEANERS OF NORTH HIGHLANDS

                                 ______


                             HON. VIC FAZIO

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 16, 1996

  Mr. FAZIO of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to offer my 
congratulations to Senior Gleaners, Inc. of North Highlands on 20 
exceptional years of service to the community.
  Senior Gleaners is a nonprofit, totally volunteer organization which 
was organized in 1976 by 37 senior citizens concerned about local 
hunger issues. It began in a volunteer's home and now operates from a 
4.5 acre facility leased from the city of Sacramento. Over the last 20 
years, Senior Gleaners has continued to operate with a staff consisting 
solely of volunteer senior citizens providing food and labor to over 
145 charitable organizations in northern California.
  Over 2,000 volunteers annually contribute almost 50,000 hours 
collecting fruits and vegetables from orchards and farms, salvaging

[[Page E825]]

damaged or outdated canned and packaged foods from supermarkets, and 
performing all trucking, warehousing, and administrative work essential 
for the collection and distribution of food. In 1995 alone, nearly 
500,000 volunteer hours were provided and over 17 million pounds of 
food were donated to those in need.
  In addition to food, Senior Gleaners volunteers also provide lap 
robes, shawls, slippers, and other items to convalescent homes and 
veterans' hospitals, and baby clothes and blankets to needy children.
  Senior Gleaners of North Highlands is an outstanding example of what 
volunteerism can achieve in our country. Their record of accomplishment 
in clothing and feeding the neediest children, adults, and families in 
northern California over the last 20 years has made a tremendous 
difference in the community, region, and State. I salute the efforts of 
Senior Gleaners, Inc., and wish them continued success in the future.

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