For a good cause -- Gimme shelter

Mary A. Castillo

In 1987 Darlene Fifner, 67, moved with her husband Jerry to Laguna

Beach and faced a new life.

“One of the most difficult things to do is move away from your friends

and family,” she said, having lived in New Jersey for 18 years. “But at

least the climate is great.”

After Fifner settled in, a neighbor introduced her to Elizabeth Jones

in 1991. Both women had sons fighting in the Gulf War and decided to

attend the Patriot’s Day Parade together.

“She began talking to me about how she was a board member for the

[Community Service Programs] Youth Shelter and invited me to get

involved,” Fifner remembered.

Eager to do her part in her new community, Fifner arrived at the

shelter housed in a gray and white bungalow and began grocery shopping

every Monday.

Eleven years later, Fifner is still grocery shopping. Her

contribution, according to executive director Carol Carlson, is integral

to the shelter’s mission to provide a safe, therapeutic haven for

children ages 11 to 17. “We provide three healthy square meals and two

snacks,” explained Carlson. “Some of these kids are used to eating junk

food or not having regularly scheduled meals.”

One of the most important part of a child’s stay with the shelter is

eating every meal at the dining room table with the counselors on-duty.

In fact, the routine is so effective for these troubled youngsters, said

Carlson, that one former resident wrote, “I’m gonna do that thing we did

at 6 o’clock every night with my mom.”

Fifner’s simple act of grocery shopping is part of that routine. The

counselors organize the weekly menu, taking into consideration any recent

food donations. On Monday morning, Fifner picks up the shopping list

while the children are working with the tutor or studying. When she

returns with the groceries, one or two of the children help carry the

bags inside.

“Rain or shine, Darlene is one of those volunteers who really takes

care of us,” Carlson said.

However, Fifner chooses to go quietly about her volunteer work.

“I get pleasure and enjoyment from what I can do for the group,” she

said. “It’s easy for me, I have the time and I’ll keep on as long as I’m

needed.”