The National Day of Service was a big success in Falcon and Colorado Springs.Falcon resident Phil Pepalis participated by organizing a food drive for the High Plains Helping Hands Food Pantry. He said he delivered more than 230 pounds of food donated by local residents to the food pantry, adding that many others also donated food.Pepalis said he’s organizing a meeting in mid-February with other Falcon residents like his neighbor, Don Larocca, who want to make sure the food pantry is well-stocked.Larocca said he placed donation bins at local banks and Poblano’s restaurant over the holidays and plans to have bins at Falcon banks, including Colorado National Bank.A donation bin also is available at Taste of Life in the Meridian Market View Mall. Owner Donna Poelstra said she is donating a percentage of sales to the food pantry every day. “The pantry especially appreciates receiving our complete dinners,” Poelstra said. “If someone donates a dinner, it goes directly to the food pantry.”Pepalis said he is planning an Easter food drive with a goal that “doubles our last effort.”To contact Pepalis, call 719-930-4904.In Colorado Springs, Heidi Matteus organized volunteers to strip and wax floors at the Salvation Army’s New Hope Center, a homeless shelter for families. Before the event, Matteus said she was concerned her volunteers wouldn’t have the equipment or experience to handle such a large project.Then, she connected with David Horwitz, owner of Colorado Springs Cleaning Supply, which sells commercial cleaning equipment.About 20 volunteers, including Horwitz and his employee, Angelo Segura, arrived at the shelter at 8 a.m., Matteus said. They moved furniture from the day area and kitchen, got started with the stripping, waxing and buffing and finished by 3 p.m.Matteus credited Horwitz for the success of the project. “If not for David’s expertise, we would all probably still be there covered in cleaner, wax and who knows what else,” she said.”Much credit goes to Angelo for donating his time. He led the kitchen cleaning crew and did a great job. It is always important to get involved in our community.”The event drew enough volunteers to tackle a second project – preparing and painting an exterior cinder block wall, she said.Matteus said she is pleased that her group of volunteers will be the “go to group” for future projects at the shelter.
