Rachel Hill

Community Service Day 2025

Filling Hearts & Shelves

FOLSOM COMMUNITY SERVICE DAY 2025

This past weekend, we were reminded once again of the extraordinary heart of our Folsom community. On Community Service Day, hundreds of volunteers came together with one shared mission: to make sure our hungry neighbors know they are not forgotten.

From the very beginning of the day, we could feel the energy and excitement. At a brand-new garden site donated by Oak Hills Church, we stood side by side with Garden Coordinator Michelle Kwek and a team of volunteers, breaking new ground and preparing soil for planting. It wasn’t just about turning over dirt—it was about planting hope, about making sure that fresh, healthy food will be available to nourish families in the months ahead.

Meanwhile, across town, another group of volunteers sprang into action. Led by Mark Behouth from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, teams fanned out across Folsom to collect food donations. One by one, families left bags of groceries on their doorsteps, and one by one, those bags were picked up and delivered to Mt. Olive Lutheran Church. There, volunteers led by Dr. Anthony Retodo of Kaiser Permanente and our very own Operations Manager, Elizabeth Martin, worked tirelessly to receive, sort, and prepare the donations for families who will need them.

When we gathered at the warehouse later that day, our hearts swelled. What had been an empty space just days before was suddenly filled with row after row of canned goods, boxes, and nonperishables—all reminders of a community that cares deeply. As our Inventory Coordinator, Mark Hockaday, said, “It was an incredible sight to watch our empty warehouse fill back up. Every single item represented hope for a family in need.”

In total, the food collected will provide the equivalent of 38,000 meals over the next five months. That number is more than just statistics to us—it’s children going to bed with full stomachs, parents finding relief in knowing they can put dinner on the table, and seniors no longer having to choose between paying bills and buying groceries.

We are deeply grateful. Grateful for every volunteer who showed up, every donor who filled a bag of food, every leader who gave their time and energy, and every partner who helped make this day possible. Together, we are building a stronger, kinder community—one where no neighbor is left behind.

But as we celebrate, we also know our work is not finished. The need in our community continues to grow, and hunger doesn’t end after one day of service. That’s why we’re still accepting food donations and inviting anyone who feels moved to help to join us. Whether it’s hosting a food drive through your school, business, or neighborhood, or simply dropping off a few extra groceries, every action makes a difference.

This is our community. These are our neighbors. And together, with open hands and open hearts, we can make sure no table goes empty.

If you’d like to be part of this ongoing effort, you can learn more at https://twinlakesfoodbank.org/donate-food/ or by emailing us at info@twinlakesfoodbank.org .

Staff & Partners
Food Drive
Garden Project

Empty Shelves

Join Us for Folsom’s Community Service Day

Together, We Can Fill the Shelves and Fuel Hope

Right now, our pantry shelves at Twin Lakes Food Bank are bare. While our grocery store partners bless us with meat, dairy, and produce, the bins that normally hold pasta, rice, canned goods, and other non-perishable staples are nearly empty. This past year alone, we served 7,000 more families than in any other year in our history — and with expected cuts to food assistance programs by year’s end, we know the need will only grow.

That’s why Folsom’s Community Service Day is more important than ever. In past years, this incredible day of service brought in as much as 77,000 pounds of food — enough to help keep our shelves stocked for 8-9 months. But in recent years, that number has dropped to 50,000–60,000 pounds, and we simply can’t keep up with demand.

Every pound matters, and every person can make a difference. This year, we anticipate needing a minimum of 70,000 pounds of food to get through the next year.

We’re asking you to rally your friends, family, neighbors, coworkers — your entire network — to join us on Folsom’s Community Service Day. Grab the grocery bag delivered to your doorstep the week before, fill it with non-perishable food, and help feed our neighbors in need. Please place your bags in front of your home by 8 a.m. on Saturday, September 20th, so Folsom’s Community Service Day volunteers can collect them. Together, we will ensure that none of our neighbors go to bed hungry.

And while Folsom’s Community Service Day directly helps us feed families right now, our record-breaking need is also a powerful reminder of why our Capital Campaign matters. A larger, more efficient facility will give us the space to store more food, serve more families, and be ready for times of unprecedented demand. Mark your calendars! Learn where to donate food or volunteer on September 20th here: Folsom Community Service Day Our community is stronger when we serve together. Will you join us?

If you can’t volunteer or donate food in person, you can still be part of building that future. Learn more about how you can make a lasting impact by visiting: https://twinlakesfoodbank.org/capital-campaign/.

Back 2 School Extravaganza

Backpacks, Big Smiles & A Whole Lot of Heart

371 kids. 151 families. One unforgettable day.

This past Friday, something special happened.

Mount Olive Lutheran Church overflowed with excitement, music, laughter, and the kind of joy that only comes when a community shows up, gives generously, and loves big. The Back 2 School Extravaganza was a celebration of what’s possible when people come together to support one another—and it was a beautiful reminder of just how strong this community is.

Thanks to the generosity of local churches, businesses, organizations, and donors, hundreds of kids walked away not only with a backpack full of supplies, but with smiles on their faces and a sense of hope for the year ahead. Families were welcomed warmly, cheered on, and reminded that they’re not alone.

Kids lined up for fresh haircuts (thank you to Maribou Salon & Lucky’s Barbershop!), munched on Chick-fil-A sandwiches delivered with love by the Chick-fil-A Cow, and got an extra treat when Micron handed out even more goodies. Tricks Gymnastics brought the energy with fun kid-friendly activities, while Ruby’s Books gifted brand new reads to spark imagination and learning.

The parking lot became a wonderland of joy—complete with prizes from the Folsom Police, big waste truck to explore thanks to Folsom Waste and Recycling, and hygiene kits and health check stations to help families start the school year strong. Anthem provided helpful insurance info, and Folsom’s Hope connected with families about their amazing after-school programs.

And just when we thought it couldn’t get better—Spider-Man made a surprise visit. Kids lost it in the best way, cheering and dancing as he faced off with the Chick-fil-A Cow in multiple dance battles. The joy was contagious.

All of it—every moment—was possible because of our generous partners.

To everyone who donated through our “Sponsor a Student” campaign, collected backpacks with your church or workplace, offered your services, handed out items, or simply showed up to help—thank you. You helped us love our neighbors in a tangible way.

Thank You to Our Event Partners!

Back Pack Donations Courtesy of: Tricks, Hope Presbyterian, Bayside Folsom , Harbor Church, Community Bible Church, Tricks Gymnastics, Trinity Episcopal, Oak Hills Church, Jesus Culture Church

Goods and Services Courtesy of: Chick-Fil-A, Tricks, Micron, Ruby’s Books, Lucky’s Barber Shop, Maribou Salon, Bubbles the Clown

Other Event Partners: Folsom Police, Folsom Waste & Recycling, Folsom’s Hope, Card My Yard, Anthem, CSHP, Rotary

All

All
Volunteers & Staff
Guests
Partners

Capital Campaign Kickoff

A NIGHT OF HOPE

Twin Lakes Food Bank Launches Bold Vision for the Future

On Wednesday, July 16th , something big happened in Folsom. In a room filled with community leaders, dedicated volunteers, passionate staff, and faithful board members, Twin Lakes Food Bank officially kicked off its most ambitious project yet—a $3.1 million capital campaign that will pave the way for a brand-new facility and expanded services for our neighbors in need across Folsom, El Dorado Hills, and Granite Bay.

This wasn’t just another evening gathering—it was a celebration of vision, unity, and purpose. Guests enjoyed delicious bites donated by beloved local restaurants like Riley’s on Sutter, Dos Coyotes, Sutter Street Taqueria, and Visconti’s Ristorante. But the real nourishment came from what was shared: stories of hope, community, and the bold steps Twin Lakes is taking to meet a rising need.

From Humble Roots to a Bold Future.

Since 1986, when a group of local church leaders founded the food bank, Twin Lakes has served as a lifeline to thousands. For the past 39 years, its home has been a renovated duplex on Montrose Drive. But as Folsom and surrounding areas have grown, so too has the need for support. In fact, the number of people served has nearly tripled—now reaching more than 34,000 annually. Folsom is growing 3x’s faster than the Sacramento metro area. With housing being built along the south of 50 and the multi-family units along East Bidwell St, that number is only expected to rise.

Why This Campaign Matters

“This campaign isn’t just about building a bigger space,” said Executive Director Lisa Tuter. “It’s about making sure that when someone in our community is hungry, we’re equipped to help—without ever having to turn them away.”
The vision? To raise $3.1 million to build a facility that doubles current square footage, increases storage capacity to over one million pounds, and extends distribution hours to better serve working families. The new space will allow Twin Lakes to serve up to 60,000 people annually—a number that reflects both the growing need and the food bank’s unwavering commitment to meet it.

A True Community Effort

It’s clear this vision isn’t just a dream—it’s already a shared mission. With support from 16 local churches, nearly 1,700 donors, over 150 businesses, and 12 nonprofit organizations, the foundation has already been laid. Now, with the public phase of the campaign officially launched, Twin Lakes is inviting the entire community to join in.
“We’re building more than a building,” Lisa added. “We’re building hope.”