Help us Help Our Community

A group of local high school students has launched a community-wide effort this summer to help address food insecurity in Tuolumne County through a food and fund drive benefiting the ATCAA Food Bank.

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The student-led initiative aims to bring together youth volunteers, local businesses, healthcare organizations, tribal governments, civic groups, and community members in a coordinated effort to provide food and financial assistance to families in need.

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The project, which is being organized by Murphy Sullivan, Savannah Berg and Leyla Vang, seeks to recruit student volunteers from high schools throughout Tuolumne County to help plan, promote, and execute the campaign during the summer months.

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“Food insecurity affects families throughout our community, and many students want meaningful opportunities to make a difference,” said Sullivan. “This project is about helping local families while also encouraging young people to develop leadership skills through community service.”

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Organizers hope to collect thousands of pounds of food and raise significant financial support for ATCAA programs serving local residents. The campaign will also seek matching donations from local tribal governments, healthcare providers, businesses, service organizations, and private donors to maximize the impact of community contributions.

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Students participating in the project will assist with volunteer recruitment, sponsorship outreach, public education efforts, food collection events, and community engagement activities.

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The campaign’s goals include:

● Collecting at least 2,500 pounds of food.

● Raising $10,000 in community donations.

● Securing matching contributions from local sponsors.

● Recruiting student volunteers from multiple local high schools.

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Organizers are currently seeking community partners interested in sponsoring collection sites, providing matching donations, volunteering, or supporting outreach efforts.

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Community members interested in participating, volunteering, or sponsoring the initiative are encouraged to contact Murphy Sullivan at (209) 703-0080; sullymurph17@gmail.com

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“One of the strengths of Tuolumne County has always been the willingness of neighbors to help one another,” said Sullivan.“ We hope this project gives students and community members an opportunity to come together and make a real difference.”