The growing need for Sacks For Life made the duo take on many new members and followers to succeed as the goal increased and expanded. Sacks For Life was destined to become a driving force to be reckoned with.
Unfortunately, in 2014, at the height of the corporation's success, Kraig Lopez was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer, Glioblastoma S4, and died suddenly after a four month battle. His partner and the group proceeded to fulfill his last wish to complete the Christmas 2014 season, where operations would shut down temporarily to restructure and reorganize and set to return Spring 2015.
Unable to cope with his loss and continue the rigorous operations, partner Ernie Rodriguez-Lopez ultimately decided to shut the doors for good and Sacks For Life said goodbye in 2015.
Sadly, Kraig did not live to see his wish of being recognized by the city he cared so much for when Sacks For Life received an award, "Certificate of Recognition", by the city of Long Beach in 2014 for outstanding contribution to the city, shortly after his death.
It was announced that in Fall 2017, SFL would make a triumphant return and continue the work that both had started out to do. No one chooses to be homeless, no one chooses to go hungry.