Angels approve donations, install new officers

FALLBROOK – A total of $16,900 was donated to groups benefiting the community at the June meeting of the board of directors of the Angel Society of Fallbrook, a local philanthropic organization.

The board approved $7,000 in funds to help the Fallbrook Senior Citizens Service Center provide nutritious meals for seniors. Its congregate meal program serves lunch five days a week, along with a home delivered meal program that serves 70 seniors every weekday. The center employs two part-time paid workers and 10 volunteers.

The Fallbrook Land Conservancy was awarded $6,000 to continue the care and watering of native habitat planted by students in March at Heller’s Bend Preserve. The funds will also be used to create a looping trail at Dinwiddie Preserve on Stage Coach Lane. The proposed trail will not only increase public access to the area, but will also allow high school students who typically jog along the busy street to take an alternative route through the preserve and away from traffic.

A total of $2,500 was awarded to the Fallbrook Hospital Auxiliary to help operate its courier service for residents who need transportation to healthcare-related appointments. The organization provides an average of 1,500 rides a year to more than 700 locations out of town.

The Fallbrook Alumni Association’s backpack program was given $600 to supply 75 backpacks to students in need, as well as fill 30 backpacks donated to students of military families.

The Fallbrook High School girls’ volleyball program received $500 to help with the expense of a new coach for its novice team, tournament fees, uniforms and equipment.

The A Leer Literacy program at Live Oak School was given $300 towards its annual event, a literacy day for families of students. Each student receives a free book and there is a raffle and other prizes.

In other business, the board installed new officers for the 2013-14 fiscal year: Kathryn Kopitzke, president; Jackie Edgerton, first vice president; Alex Wilson, treasurer; Judy Messina, recording secretary; Susah Coughlin, Angel Shop chair; and Gerri Ankerman, building chair. Marylyn Miller is president ex-officio/parliamentarian.

The Angel Society of Fallbrook raises philanthropic funds through the operation of the Angel Shop, an all-volunteer run thrift store at 1002 So. Main Avenue. A “Christmas in July” sale is planned for the week of July 22. For more information, visit http://www.theangelsociety.org.