Rodney Horton works for the City of Reedley as its Community Development Director, so he’s familiar with the needs of our area. Horton was a guest to our State of the College program last November, where he found out about the Tiger Pantry and Clyde’s Closet and how both resources help provide basic needs for our students. Soon thereafter, Horton applied for, and was awarded a two-thousand dollar grant through Foresters Financial, a financial services provider dedicated to improving lives and building stronger communities. The result: two trips to the Tiger Pantry with vehicles filled with canned food, drinks, bread, chips, cereal, and more. “I know what the struggle was like when you’re trying to make it,” said Horton. “Life is not easy as a college student, so this is my way of paying it forward.” Student workers and staff helped stock shelves on January 6 and 13. “These donations will greatly help with food insecurities, and it makes their experience at Reedley College more welcoming,” said Food Pantry Coordinator Elba Vidal. “What’s unique about Reedley College is that it feels like a family, and to receive a donation from someone in the community makes it feel like that even more. It’s very special, and we really appreciate it.” Horton has $100 left in his grant, which will go towards one final donation of produce to the Tiger Pantry. He hopes to get another grant to help fill Clyde’s Closet with business attire for our students.
