HOMESTEAD AIR RESERVE BASE, Fla. -- "If you can't feed a hundred people, then just feed one." ~Mother Theresa

In a commitment to community outreach, Homestead Air Reserve Base participated in the Feds Feed Families Food Drive and was able to donate over 955 pounds of food and diapers to the Homestead Community Partnership for the Homeless on Aug 31.

Col. Donald R. Lindberg, Commander, 482nd Fighter Wing, was on hand to make the official presentation. "Our base is a part of this community. We just want to make a difference here and hopefully these donations help do that."

From the large scope of help provided by the HCPH, the donations will be put to use immediately.

"Currently the HCPH serves 756 people, three meals a day. That equates to 827,820 meals a year," said Mr. Daniel Vincent, CEO of Community Partnership for the Homeless. "The donation from the base helps us do our job."

The HCPH strives to assist their clients make a successful transition from homelessness by offering a variety of services.

"In addition, to help those in transition, our program provides care packages for those moving out of the facility into their new homes. We supply about a week of food and that all comes out of our supplies," said Mr. Tom Pilla, HCPH Food Service Manager.

"Homestead Air Reserve Base Reservists, family and friends made our first Feds Feed Families Food Drive a huge success," said Ms. Cori Arencibia, 482nd FW fitness specialist and food drive coordinator.

"This event is good because it gives the base an opportunity to come together and help out our local community. The maintenance group and fire department have been a huge proponent of this food drive. They have given such a huge amount of support, along with the rest of the base Reservists, families and friends."

In general, CPH facilities have a 62 percent success rate. Last month, the Homestead branch hit an 80 percent success rate.

"By success, we mean that the participants in our program go on to self sustain without going back to the streets," said Mr. Vincent.

The HCPH is always available to accept donations from individuals as well as large donations. If you are interested in donating items individually, contact Ruth Cardona at (305) 216-4859 and for large donations, call (305) 329-3030.