Twenty-Two Pallets Can Do Alot

The San Bernardino community came together on Saturday, Dec. 12, at Gateway Christian Fellowship with a common goal in mind: to help spread hope to those in need during this holiday season. The Inland Empire Community Collaborative (IECC) put on the second annual event which helped fellow community members. Seventeen non-profit organizations and community volunteers combined their efforts to bring holiday baskets to families. All volunteers, ranging from the ages 5 to 87, gathered at 7 a.m. to assemble as many baskets as possible for the deserving recipients. “Last year we assembled 450 baskets and we are humbled by the outpouring of support for this year,” says Susan Gomez, President of IECC. While last years’ 450 baskets was a great success, this year’s efforts outscored the previous by 1,300 additional baskets. In total, the selfless efforts made by volunteers assembled 1,725 baskets, even in the crisp 46-degree weather. “During this difficult time in San Bernardino County, it is heartwarming to see the kind and loving spirit of the non-profit community,” Gomez shared. After assembling the baskets, volunteers headed off for the final stretch. The last 8 hours of that Saturday consisted of distributing the packages to agencies for deliveries in their communities. Navidad En El Barrio and various monetary contributors provided food and resources for A Coming of Age, Another Level for Women, City of Adelanto, Colton Christian Church, Community Health Systems, Inc., El Sol, Giving 365, High Desert New Beginnings, Integrated Therapeutic Services, Latino Health Collaborative, Making A Difference, Mom & Dad Project, Olive Crest, Veterans Partnering With Communities, Walden Family Services and Gateway Christian Church to give to families in Coachella Valley, Barstow, Adelanto, Big Bear, Crestline and neighboring cities in San Bernardino.