TUJUNGA : Lack of Volunteers Hampers Aid Center

The shelves were stocked but the Sunland-Tujunga Temporary Aid Center was closed for two days this week because of a lack of volunteers.

It’s a problem that center Director Cathy van Veen, faces every summer. Sickness and vacations affected half of her eight volunteers this week and the center, which is usually open Tuesday through Friday mornings, didn’t open until Thursday.

“Sometimes, you know, a new one comes in, and after a couple of weeks they say this isn’t for me, or they find work, or I have trouble with my back and I cannot do it anymore,” Van Veen said.

Van Veen has worked with the center for about 15 years and handles food purchases and inventory. She needs the help mainly for paperwork and packing or distributing food. The center, at the Sunland-Tujunga Municipal Building at 7747 Foothill Blvd. in Tujunga, keeps foods such as rice, beans, butter, peanut butter, macaroni and cheese, spaghetti and canned goods.

“We are really meant to be used for an emergency basis only, but it has not worked that way,” Van Veen said. For many, the emergency never stops, she said. No one can be helped at the center more than once every three months. Those who cannot be helped at the center are referred to local churches.

“Some come exactly on the date every three months,” Van Veen said.

The volunteer shortage also hits the center during flu season in the winter.

Those who want to volunteer should come to the center, which is open Tuesdays through Fridays from 9 to 11:30 a.m., or call the center at (818) 352-2421.

“If they are really willing, I can train them,” Van Veen said. “It’s not that hard.”