It’s in these times of crisis, as we face the worst epidemic in a century and financial turmoil of epic proportions, that leadership and community really matter.

I want to thank District 5 supervisor candidate Jessica Pyska for leading the charge for a food drive that will help those facing hunger in our community.

She organized a team effort to raise money and get food donations for the Redwood Empire Food Bank.

There were two drop-off locations, one at Common Grounds Coffee in the Clear Lake Riviera and the other at Smiling Dogs Ranch in Kelseyville.

She promoted these drives well in advance and on May 1 brought her masked and gloved team of volunteers to both locations.

Her leadership raised $7,720 in donations and 3,455 pounds of food. They also handed out 75 masks.

These types of efforts make me grateful for the small, caring community I live in and reinforce my decision to support Jessica for District 5 supervisor this November.

Valerie Meyer Nixon lives in Kelseyville, California.