Mecca, CA – (December 2020) – Galilee Center has seen a significant increase in those seeking assistance due to the Covid-19 crisis. With funding made available by United Way of the Desert’s COVID Recovery Fund, and in partnership with Desert Healthcare District and Foundation, Galilee Center has been able to better meet the demands that go beyond their traditional services.
Since 2010, Galilee Center has endeavored to lift up those most in need by providing food, clothing, and necessities for disadvantaged children and families in the East Coachella Valley. Over 90 percent of those served are essential farmworkers and these minority families are among the working poor that has struggled to stay afloat amidst the devastating circumstances brought on by this pandemic.
Since the start of Covid-19, Galilee has worked tirelessly to minimize its impact on at-risk individuals and families to provide:
• Over 20,500 food baskets to 3,150 families
• One-month rent assistance to 225 families
• Diapers and baby formula to 1,816 babies
• Nutritional drinks and adult diapers for 355 Seniors
During the month of November alone, Galilee Center assisted 62 families with COVID-19 Recovery Fund to offset unpaid bills. 28 families received Rental Assistance and over 750 Thanksgiving Food Baskets were distributed. In the first four days of open registration, all 350 spots for families (1400 children) to receive gifts at this year’s Christmas Toys for Children event were taken. Over 750 families are expected for the Christmas Food Basket Giving Day on December 21 st, 2020 at 2pm. This will be a Masked, No-Contact, Drive-Thru Event.
The Galilee Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded by Claudia Castorena and Gloria Gomez to serve the East Coachella Valley Community and help vulnerable farmworkers and their families. They have partnered with wholesale providers to stretch every dollar during this pandemic and are, therefore, seeking cash donations to meet their on-going needs. Those wishing to further help victims of the Covid-19 crisis can call the Galilee Center at 760-396-9100 or visit www.galileecenter.org/donate.