In honor of Thanksgiving, we wanted to honor the woman who feeds more families in town than ever, Colleen Mattison.

The holiday season is here, and an incredible woman’s work at the Havasu Community Health Foundation (HCHF) Food Bank is crucial. Colleen Mattison is the manager at the HCHF Food Bank and has been there for the last five years.

About Colleen

Meet Colleen, a seasoned manager with extensive experience in the food and beverage industry. Having spent a significant part of her life overseeing restaurants, she has honed her leadership skills and industry insight.

Beyond her managerial role, Colleen has dedicated eight years to volunteering with the interagency, leading her to support the Food Bank actively. In her personal life, she shares 23 years of marriage with her husband, Rod, who moved from Australia to be with her. The couple treasures their time together with their two beloved dogs.

Colleen’s commitment extends beyond her professional and personal life. She actively engages with her Church, contributes to the Student Assistant Program, and supports various organizations, including Soroptimist, Women with Will Power, the women’s shelter, Faith and Grace, and the Clothes Closet.

Colleens’ Role at the Food Bank

At HCHF Food Bank, Colleen enjoys connecting with people and appreciates her dedicated volunteers. She describes her role: “I feel like Santa Claus every day, giving people something, and they leave happy. My volunteers are amazing.”

Operating on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 10 am to 1 pm, the Food Bank offers a monthly program with staples like rice, beans, and produce. Thanks to volunteer efforts, they provide a “Van-Go” Home Delivery service. The senior program, currently full with a waitlist, extends the monthly offering. Members can also pick up bread and produce daily. Colleen and her team stand as a vital support system for the community.

Coming up for Colleen and the Food Bank

The Food Bank currently serves over 1,400 families monthly and requires immediate donations. Winter essentials like blankets, socks, comforters, sleeping bags, and soup are in high demand. With the holidays approaching, the Food Bank welcomes turkey and ham donations and toiletries, reusable bags, and pop-top canned items.

Drop off your donations Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 7 am to 1 pm. On December 3rd, the River Riders Toy Run will provide toys for children up to 11 years old. These toys are exclusively for Lake Havasu City residents, and you don’t need a Food Bank membership to receive them. Your support actively makes a significant impact on the community.

Working at the Food Bank and witnessing the generosity of the Lake Havasu City community is deeply meaningful for Colleen. She expresses, “I absolutely love how giving the Lake Havasu community is. I get really emotional talking about this because it is such a wonderful community. During COVID, things were hard for everyone, and this town rallied together to support us at the Food Bank. These are such helpful and loving people, and they never cease to amaze me.”

For more information about the HCHF Food Bank, visit their website.

Note: The Food Bank will be closed for Thanksgiving on November 23rd and 24th.