VOLUNTEER GOES THE EXTRA YARD TO HELP PEOPLE FROM FOOTBALL TO FOOD PANTRY.

Byline: CAROL ROCK

valleynews.com

While Dennis Luppens keeps busy at Santa Clarita City Hall working on medians and street lights (he's a special district administrator), he's also a familiar face at community events, volunteering his time to ensure that football passes are done right and no child goes to bed hungry.

As the past president of the Santa Clarita Valley Food Pantry, where he served four years, Luppens finds volunteering a rewarding form of recreation. He also drew from his own gridiron experience at University of Nevada Las Vegas to coach youth football players in the Warriors program.

"I do it for a lot of reasons," he said. "It's fun and I don't mean to be cliche, but it's giving back to the community. You get a lot out of volunteering through your experiences. I know I have."

As the former head coach for the Warriors program, Luppens, like so many other boomer dads, coached his own son and others in his age group. Now that son John, 16, is a senior in high school, the single dad handed over his whistle and rule book to the next generation.

"I started with one group, then they grew up and moved on," he said. "Now they're all in their senior years of high school. We stay in touch, I see them around the community or see their parents at school."

The energetic 48-year-old said that he got involved with the Food Pantry because of encouragement from his city bosses.

"They want everybody to be involved with something," he said. "I thought this was earthy and basic. I found out quickly that there is no administrative layer, the pantry's board of directors is out there working side-by-side with other volunteers, getting hands-on experience. We're trying to get donations and get the food to the people who need it as fast and efficiently as we can."

His responsibilities at the city paralleled his volunteer pursuits when Luppens worked on Community Development Block Grants.

"The CDBG program helps find housing for people with low or moderate incomes, so I was able to help in both places," he said. "Most of the people I met wanted to establish roots in Santa Clarita and it was rewarding to help them. They like the community and don't want to leave, so it was great to help them achieve that, whether it was by providing food or helping with rent or utilities."

Both of Luppens' children, John and daughter Carolin, 17, have learned from his example of hands-on community involvement.

"They help out at events at church," he said. "They're hard workers. They are not in any formal volunteer group, but they step up and help when it's needed."

Two years ago, Luppens went back to school to pursue a graduate degree. Next June, he will walk with his fellow candidates to receive a master's degree in public administration.

"I've worked for the city of Santa Clarita for 18 years," the Huntington Beach native said. "It's a life change for me. But I can say that the longer you stay away from college, the more challenging it is to go back."

One thing that's helped out is the University Center at College of the Canyons. Although his degree will come from California State University, Northridge, he hasn't had to attend a single class in the San Fernando Valley.

"It sure was great to go to class right here in town," he said.

After college, Luppens says he might consider a second career as a government teacher.

"I want to teach people that they can make a difference. It's not that difficult to make a difference, but people tend to put up a wall and stop trying. I think Santa Clarita is a good place to show what a difference one person or a group can make; we've seen neighborhoods and homeowners associations accomplish good things and make changes when they get together and come to the Council."

Luppens said that a Norman Rockwell painting of a simply dressed farmworker standing up at a town hall meeting reminded him of how powerful one person could be.

"One person can make a change if they stand up for what they believe in," he said. "It's dynamic and the best part of local government."

If you'd like to find out what's happening in Santa Clarita's government, visit the city's Web site at www.santa-clarita.com.

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Dennis Luppens has served as president of the Santa Clarita Valley Food Pantry and as a coach for the Warriors football program. He says volunteering is a rewarding form of recreation.

Carol Rock/valleynews.com