Broker Fights to Replenish OC Food Bank

Broker Michael Caruso has found a creative way to help rebuild the inventory at Orange County's Second Harvest Food Bank. Caruso has successfully created and now tested a method whereby he requests that agents bring a can of food when they come to view his listings that are featured on "Broker Tour" in various areas of the county. Michael put this system into effect this week while serving lunch at his new listing located in San Juan Capistrano at 27492 Silver Creek and has gathered about $200 in financial contributions as well as filling a barrel with canned food and dry food items. "A can of food for the charity is their ticket to get in in order to view my new listing, then I feed them lunch while they are there at the home", Michael said.

Michael asked a representative from Second Harvest Food Bank to join him so as to launch this effort and help introduce the program. Representative Lorina Smith was anxious to put forth an effort to increase attention to this important cause. These items will no doubt be helpful as food bank inventories are hitting very low levels. Due to the current economic conditions, the number of families in need has increased substantially while the number of donations has diminished. The results of these two dynamics can be devastating.

Caruso said "We have initiated some momentum here. People have a better understanding of the challenge that faces us. Some Realtors have now agreed to place donation barrels in their offices and Affiliates have joined the effort to help increase attention at their holiday functions".

Michael Caruso has been the Broker/Owner of Orange County Real Estate Services since 1994 and prior to that he worked with several large franchise offices. He is an ardent community volunteer and has served on numerous C.A.R. and N.A.R. Committees as well as having just served the Orange County Association of Realtors (16^th largest in the USA) as their 2007 President. He can be reached at 949-753-7900 or through his website: MichaelCarusoRealEstate.com

"I hope we take this food drive campaign to new heights during the holiday season and throughout the New Year", Michael said. "This is a serious time in our lives and in history, and people need to think more about helping each other".