[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 67 (Wednesday, May 16, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E812-E813]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       IN TRIBUTE TO WILLA DOBBS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ELTON GALLEGLY

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 16, 2001

  Mr. GALLEGLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Willa Dobbs, a 
woman who has proven that love and caring are powerful forces that can 
change lives and lift a community.
  For more than 30 years, Mrs. Dobbs has worked tirelessly to feed the 
less fortunate. As founder and director of Care and Share, the 
community food bank in my hometown of Simi Valley, California, Mrs. 
Dobbs has been responsible for seeing to it that thousands of men, 
women and children have been fed.

[[Page E813]]

  Except for a short time during the '70s, Care and Share has received 
no outside funding. It's an all-volunteer effort.
  And what an effort it is. Care and Share feeds an estimated 500 
families a month. During the holidays, Mrs. Dobbs' dogged determination 
ensures that every family has access to a good, nourishing holiday 
meal. Every basket is served with Mrs. Dobb's everpresent smile and a 
kind and encouraging word.
  Mrs. Dobbs began in the 1960s by enlisting schools to sponsor canned 
food drives. As Care and Share grew and allied with other charitable 
organizations, Mrs. Dobbs also reached out to community organizations 
to help with the drive.
  That made it a true community effort as the Simi-Moorpark Association 
of Realtors, Rotary and Kiwanis clubs, Scouts, churches and numerous 
other community groups joined the cause.
  Mrs. Dobbs has decided to retire and enjoy life with her husband, 
Carl, their five children and six grandchildren. Care and Share will 
continue to thrive under the guidance of longtime volunteer Veronica 
Rubio. Mrs. Dobbs has promised to volunteer from time to time as well.
  Mr. Speaker, I know my colleagues will join me in thanking Willa 
Dobbs for caring for her fellow human beings; for making life richer 
and fulfilling for those who helped her and those who were helped by 
her; and for proving that one person can make a difference in many, 
many lives. We wish her love and Godspeed in retirement.

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