UAV gives back

LANCASTER – The University of Antelope Valley (UAV) donated hundreds of blankets, pillows and comforters to Grace Resources Wednesday.

“There’s a large population out there, especially in this economic downturn that need assistance and we have some very important items in terms of providing basic necessities and comforts to people of the Antelope Valley,” said Justin Gocke, project manager of UAV.

Marco and Sandra Johnson, the owners of UAV, bought the Antelope Valley Inn and converted it to the university two years ago.

“Our plan the entire time was once we finished renovation and had our dormitories up and running and knew what we needed as an institution, we would donate the surplus to the community,” Marco Johnson said.

AJ Cabada, Grace Resources’ thrift store manager, picked up the donations at UAV.

“We’re definitely grateful,” he said. “We thank the University of Antelope Valley for their generous donation. At Grace Resources, we move to meet the needs of our community with grace.”

Cabada said donations will be taken to the resource center to be sifted through and processed.

“Anything that is an excess we’re going to take to the thrift store for resale purpose,” Cabada added. “All the proceeds go back into Grace Resources. So it’s all still coming back to Grace Resources.”

Marco Johnson said this is only the beginning.

“We’re starting with the blankets and the pillows and the sheets to Grace Resources. After that happens, we will put together packages,” he said.

The packages will include bathroom items such as toilets and bathtub fixtures, appliances including microwaves and small refrigerators and bedroom sets of mattresses and end tables.

Project Manager Gocke said UAV is also giving away TV’s, end tables and armoires to religious groups in the valley. They can email communityprojects@uav.edu for more information.

“This is a great opportunity to give to great organizations,” Gocke said.

He added that the donations are based around their annual Caring for the Community Dinner on December 3^rd, at the UAV Grand Ballroom, where people in need can come for a turkey meal provided by top of the line chefs.

This will be the 5^th annual dinner, he said. Last year, 800-900 people were given a meal and hundreds of toys were given away.

“It’s all about December 3^rd for us,” Gocke said.