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Families get $400 worth of food, essential items at Puig-propelled Pacoima event

Daily News - 5/23/2020

May 23--The working-class neighborhood of Pacoima in Los Angeles is home to a large immigrant community, and many have lost their jobs in service industries because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

More than 100 families got a hand from El Nido's Gang Reduction and Youth Development Program recently, in Partnership with former L.A. Dodger Yasiel Puig'sWild Horse Children's Foundation.

Families that registered for the event received boxes filled with about $400 worth of food and essential items to help them during these unprecedented times.

"It's important to give because I remembered what it was like when I have nothing, and I didn't know if I was going to eat or not," said Puig. "I made a promise to God that no matter what, kids can count on me, so they don't go through what I went through- so life can be easier for them. I may not know how to express myself to well, but everybody has a heart, and we all speak that language of the heart."

Unseasonable rain did not hamper the vehicles as they pulled up to a line of volunteers and boxes and bags filled with food, toys, diapers and wipes, personal protective supplies, toilet paper, cleaning products, socks, soap, fresh fruit, hot meals, and dessert were loaded into them. Volunteers each had a specific task, and they worked together in unison loading items and greeting those that pulled up for their turn.

"The mayor's office identifies these families as most at risk (from COVID-19), and we are really happy we could give $400 worth of goods to each family," said Yasiel Puig'sWild Horse Children's Foundation Executive Director Lisette Carnet.

In less than a minute, doors were open, supplies were loaded and the vehicles were on their way.

Local businesses including Tapia Brothers, Magaly's Tamales, George Lopez's Chingon Bakery, Baby2Baby, Del Monte, Flor De Lima, Adidas, Giving Children Hope, Legos donated goods to the event.

"These families have essential workers and are hit the hardest by the pandemic, and we just want to try and do what we can," said Jose Beltran, project director for GRYD. "We are just hoping we can bring a little sunshine in the rain."

" I am here always for my fans, who are my family," said Puig. "Puig your friend."

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