A message from the Executive Director
Gary Conner
With tremendous gratitude, we say goodbye to 2017, and welcome 2018, which promises to be another magnificent year of serving our friends in need.

You can see by the following summary of current happenings that 2018 is off to a flying start.

  • WPE just took delivery of two new refrigerated Transit cargo vans.
  • We will apply mid-month for a program that would allow us to replace Suzy the Truck (#8?) with a powerful diesel-hybrid built by Toyota.
  • We expect to receive our new Mobile Shower unit by month’s end
  • We are providing food and cold weather clothing to about 40 homeless people at the Parkhaven Church seven days a week.
  • WPE’s corporate-office buildout will be completed by months’ end
  • WPE will initiate a new homeless services program, centered initially on Mobile Showers.
  •  We expect to hire an experienced professional to develop and manage the homeless services program.

So we prepare to uplift more lives and provide more opportunities for selfless service—tell your friends, they may want to help.
Whole Foods Markets Uplifts Lives
5% Day secures more than $20,000 for WPE
On Thursday, January 11, the five Contra Costa Whole Foods Markets, including the brand new 365 by Whole Foods, donated 5% of their net sales for the day to White Pony Express (WPE).  

The Whole Foods stores that participated in the event included those in San Ramon, Lafayette, and two in Walnut Creek (Newell Avenue and Ygnacio Valley Road), plus the 365 by Whole Foods in Concord. "It was such an honor when Whole Foods, our year-round food donation partner in ending hunger and poverty in Contra Costa County, provided us with the opportunity to share our story within Contra Costa stores,” said Monika Whitfield, Director of Development & Communications for WPE. “We are immensely grateful to benefit from 5% day as well as every day we come together and work to uplift lives." WPE operates a Food Rescue program that every day picks up an average of 4,500 lb. of surplus food from grocery stores, produce markets, and restaurants. WPE then distributes that food to more than 80 nonprofit organizations that provide it to people who are hungry throughout Contra Costa County.

“We are so pleased to have raised these funds to support White Pony Express from our 5 stores,” remarked Caitlin Amthor, Marketing and Community Relations Lead for Whole Foods . “I think this shows the community’s support for White Pony Express and the amazing work that they do in Contra Costa County. Our shoppers all live here and it is very evident with this support that they choose to give here as well.”
Volunteer Spotlight: Mary Hassett
Free General Store "Teen Queen" makes a difference
For the past 3 years, Mary Hassett has been a regular and invaluable workshop volunteer at the Free General Store’s Distribution Center. Mary is affectionately known as the “Teen Queen” of the Teen Boys Department where she selects and organizes teen boy tops and pants in preparation for our mobile boutiques. Mary also volunteers at the boutiques.

And on top of this, Mary researches, orders and stocks the D.C. with needed and requested paper and office supplies.

Mary lives in Concord with her husband Roger and 3 young adult children, Dominic, Erin and Danny. For the past 21 years, Mary and Roger have worked together as Campus Ministers at De La Salle High School where Mary is in charge of the retreat and service programs, and Roger leads a variety of immersion experiences for students. Mary loves weekend long walks and hiking and is an avid theater goer.

Thank you Mary for all you do for the White Pony Express Free General Store.
You make a difference!
Give the Gift of Uplifting Lives this Valentine's Day
Don't know what to do for your special person on Valentine's Day? Consider the gift of uplifting lives by making a donation in honor of the one you love. Donate by clicking this link on or before February 5 for your card to be mailed to your loved one just in time for the holiday.

By gifting through WPE, your loved one will receive:
  • A Valentine's Day card of your choosing (with optional message)
  • Notification of your generous support
  • The warm fuzzies, knowing your love is helping those who need it most
Get Involved in 2018
Volunteer opportunities are abundant at WPE
2017 brought many new and valuable volunteers to our team. With the help of several chapters of Boys’ Team Charity, National Charity League, Rotary clubs and many others, we were successful with events and daily operations in both The Free General Store and Food Rescue.

Moving into 2018, we have many exciting opportunities to volunteer:

Are you an experienced volunteer who would like to welcome new volunteers to the organization? We are looking for a dedicated trainer for new volunteers in Food Rescue to assist them during their first few shifts.

Are you a driver with availability Friday afternoons? We are looking for someone to fuel our trucks. You will be fully reimbursed for the cost of the fuel.

Are you interested spreading the word about WPE? We are looking for dedicated volunteers to join our Volunteer Outreach Team. As a member of this team, you will attend events and hand out flyers for WPE.

Do you have experience working with children? The Free General Store is looking for experienced help in the Toy Department.

Do you have a few spare hours during the weekend? The Free General Store needs a dock worker from 3:00-5:00 pm on Saturdays to monitor the distribution center for donations.

If any of these opportunities interest you please contact Megan and Mandy at [email protected]
Support WPE While Shopping
You shop. Amazon gives.
Remember when you are doing your online shopping at  Amazon Smile , a portion of your purchase will be donated to White Pony Express. Feel twice as good by shopping for a cause. Thank you to those who named White Pony Express as their nonprofit of choice. 

Curious about the program? Read more here:  goo.gl/AjMcVb
WPE Community Calendar
February 5, 2018 
Deadline for Valentine's Day card mailing

February 14, 2018
Valentines Day, WPE Open



February 19, 2017
Presidents' Day, WPE Open

March 5, 2017
WPE Exhibiting at East Bay Women's Conference, San Ramon Marriott