Food Basket Distribution to Families in Need

dry goods such as flour, sugar, pastas, beans, and canned items such as tomato sauces, tuna, ham, sardines, vegetables, soaps, and more. The event is organized by Senora Maribel Gonzalez, who hosts the event, and by the Coronado Social Association (CASA) who fund raises to provide the baskets. The basket give-away is part of a larger support program for these families, many of who live in hard-to-reach areas of the interior. This year will be the sixth year that CASA members have raised funds to provide baskets. “The first year we did this, we distributed 40 baskets. This year 80 families are on the list”, says Louise Belisle. President of CASA.

Items for the baskets come from a variety of sources. CASA’s cause motivates the community to come together to help out. This year CASA held a 60’s and 70’s Rock n Roll Dance. With the help of La Restaurant in Gorgona, Poco Loco a popular rock and roll band and the Gorgona’s Vecino’s Vigilantes program and a number of independent donors around raised funds towards the baskets.

The basket cause also inspires a group of friendly card players who toss their spare change into a jar throughout the year.

Also local businesses like HIM Center and Mail Boxes Etc donate items.

Each year brings more familiar faces together says Louise Belisle, from CASA.

This year, she expects to see many recognizable faces, as well as some new ones. The upcoming basket distribution event will take place on January 6^th 2014, the day of the Three Kings. Last year the distribution happened on the same day, and the CASA group made paper crowns for the kids. “Watching the kids light up is just amazing”, says Louise Belisle.

The event is a gift that keeps giving to everyone involved. If you would like to help provide a basket to a family in need, CASA is still accepting donations. It is preferable that all donations are made in cash, so that all baskets will include the same items. To donate, contact: casa2008p@gmail.com or call 6501-5423.