Thanksgiving Food Distribution to Benefit Needy San Gabriel Valley Families

PR Log (Press Release) – Nov 01, 2009 – California State Assemblymember Dr. Ed Hernandez, O.D. will be hosting a Thanksgiving Food Distribution to benefit non-profit organizations serving needy families throughout the San Gabriel Valley’s 57th Assembly District. Dr. Ed together with members of the local community will attend the distribution event which will be held at Picasso’s Cafe, Bakery and Catering Co. in Irwindale on November 19 at 4pm.
The current economic climate has had a notable impact on food banks across the county, with most of the food banks experiencing a significant surge in demand for emergency food assistance over the past year.  “It is always a special day when a community can come together like this to help those in need,”  stated Dr. Hernandez. “It is especially important this year, when so many are struggling to make ends meet, that we do all we can to ensure that everyone shares in the spirit of Thanksgiving.”
“Many people are unaware of the overwhelming demand for assistance throughout the San Gabriel Valley which has increased significantly over the last year,” said Maria DeRosa, president of Picasso’s Cafe.  “We are excited to work with the community in this annual program.  All of us share a passion for bringing families together during the holiday season and we hope this program continues to give everyone an opportunity to get meals to families who cannot provide for themselves. I am confident that our work will encourage other businesses to step up and lend a hand this holiday season.”
“We are so pleased to able to assist with the Assemblyman Hernandez’s Thanksgiving Food Distribution project again this year,” stated Lisa Bailey president of the Irwindale Chamber of Commerce, “This project enables chamber members to give to those who have been hardest hit in this economic downturn.  It is especially heartwarming to have two of our members, Pacific Clinics and Neighborhood Homework House-Azusa selected so that they may ensure many of their client families will have a Thanksgiving meal through this outreach.”
Taking the spirit of giving one step further, this year Mylene Neufarth, a manager at Picasso’s Café, will lead a team of ten volunteers from the Soroptomist International Club of Irwindale and cook some of the donated meals and serve them at Pacific Clinics’ Irwindale facility on the 22nd. “As a single mom, the work that Pacific Clinics does fuels my passion to help fellow community members, especially during the holidays. We are so fortunate to work in an area so committed to helping our less fortunate members.”
Dr. Barbara Dickerson, Board President for Our Neighborhood Homework House gratefully acknowledges the efforts of the Assemblymember. “Our families are always appreciative for the ways in which the community assists them throughout the year and at events such as this.”
This year’s Thanksgiving Food Drive will receive food donated by local businesses and pies donated by Picasso’s Café.  Picasso’s also maintains a box inside the café for people to donate cards and money throughout the month.  During November, the Chamber of Commerce accepts money and gift cards to be donated at the event.
There will be a formal presentation program highlighting the non-profits receiving food as well as to honor some of the donors involved. Mayor Larry Burrola, of the City of Irwindale will attend the distribution event to welcome everyone to his beautiful city.  Some of the organizations receiving the donated food this year include: Our Neighborhood Homework House and Pacific Clinics.