Community Corner

Pajaro Valley Loaves and Fishes Celebrates Day of the Child With a Toy Giveaway

More than 60 kids received toys at Thursday's event.

Pajaro Valley Loaves and Fishes had a toy giveaway Thursday for children of the Pajaro Valley.

What began as a generous donation of gently used stuffed animals grew into a giveaway to more than 60 children that honored Mexico's Day of the Child, which was Saturday.

Pajaro Valley Loaves and Fishes Inc. is a nonprofit organization that opens its food pantry and serves hot lunches every weekday for the needy people of the Pajaro Valley.

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As the only agency of its kind in Watsonville, Loaves and Fishes has seen a large increase for its services. Last fiscal year, there were 8,778 visits to the pantry, and more than 40 percent of the people served were children. There were 24,262 meals served, with an average of 133 people a day—18 percent more than during last year's first quarter and 78 percent higher than before the recession.

“While the main mission of our organization continues to be alleviating hunger in the Pajaro Valley through nutritious meals, referrals and nutrition education, the toy giveaway was a reminder to the community that we care about all our clients in the various stages of their life,” said Margarita Cortez, the agency's executive director. “I am proud of the 11 youth volunteers who took time out of their spring break to give back to the community by volunteering at our agency this week. They helped organize, package and distribute toys to over 60 children. Leadership like the kind they displayed is admirable.”

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To find out how to help Pajaro Valley Loaves and Fishes in its hunger-relief efforts, visit pvloavesandfishes.org or contact Cortez at 831-722-4144.

—Loaves and Fishes staff


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