A local non-profit organization helped ensure that 100 Lathrop families got the food that they needed last week during these uncertain economic times.
And those that didn’t get the chance to come participate will get another chance on Saturday from 12 to 2 p.m. at Mossdale Landing Community Park – something that the event organizers hope will be an ongoing event to help the needy and less fortunate in the community.
“It’s dire that we have something like this – right now in the community all that we have are the brown bag and meals on wheels programs for seniors, and we need something for families,” said Lathrop City Councilwoman Minnie Diallo – who worked with her longtime friend Destiny Rivas and the American Desi Society to secure the 100 food boxes. “We had a lot of single mothers and families that lost their jobs that came down to receive the boxes.
“These have been people that have been traveling to places like Stockton for this, and now they can come right in their own neighborhood.”
Joining Diallo at the giveaway were Brandy Perkins, Michelle Anderson, and local members of the Sikh Motorcycle Club of the United States – who donated not only their time, but also provided a refrigerated trick to store the perishable food while the group waited for people to arrive.
And the boxes were more than simply dry goods and sundries.
According to Diallo, the boxes contained chicken, hot dogs, dairy items, fresh fruits and vegetables, and other necessities that will help families cook healthy meals for themselves – something that she hopes will be a constant and ongoing thing for residents that need the assistance.
“I’m hoping that this is something that the city can look into being a part of so that we can offer something like this to our residents – we don’t know how long we’ll be able to receive these donations because the program is funded by a grant.
The food giveaway will be open to the first 100 families that visit Mossdale Landing Community Park – located at 700 Towne Centre Drive – on Saturday, April 24 from 12 to 2 p.m. The event is open to anybody who needs the assistance – financial verification is not necessary to qualify.
To contact reporter Jason Campbell email jcampbell@mantecabulletin.com or call 209.249.3544.
