Ray of Hope Children’s Service is in need of breakfast items to kick off the new year.

“Just because the holidays are over doesn’t mean hunger ends there,” said Executive Director Laura Saunders on Tuesday.

Ray of Hope’s Kids Emergency Cupboard Food Pantry is seeking donation of juice and breakfast items.

“It’s cold and flu season so juice and anything rich in Vitamin C are so appreciated,” the local non-profit posted on social media.

Among the food items on the list include cereal, butter, oatmeal, and breakfast / protein bars, to name a few.

This, according to Saunders, is to cover the basic needs of children, who are referred to Ray of Hope from local and government agencies such as the Child Abuse Prevention Agency and San Joaquin County Child Protective Services.

She was grateful of the support that Ray of Hope received during the holidays, in particular, the Christmas Guardian Angel Program, where children were provided with food, gifts and the extras to make this time of year special.

“This one was our biggest one yet – we serviced over 1,000 children,” Saunders said.

She gave special recognition to the Manteca Police Department, Manteca Fire Department and San Joaquin General Hospital.

“We couldn’t have done this without the help of our police and fire fighters – we also shared some same clients with the hospital,” said Saunders, who also thanked the South San Joaquin Irrigation District, Chit Chat Cafe, Chic Fil-A, Starbucks (Airport Way), Dutch Bros., Pro Touch Auto and Cabral Motors for their holiday efforts.

In addition, Ray of Hope’s Crises Center, 113 W. Yosemite Ave., will be open for donation on Tuesday, beginning at 11 a.m. Hope’s Closet, 1030 W. Yosemite Ave., will re-open for donation of clothing and other items on Jan. 18.

More information can be obtained by call 209.597.0574 or click on to rayofhopesanjoaquincounty on Instagram for updates.