WATSONVILLE (California) REGISTER-PAJARONIAN

December 20, 2007

Labor camps get a boost

BY: TARMO HANNULA

Families in seven area labor camps were presented with an extra dose of holiday goodness Wednesday. A caravan of trucks, fire engines and passenger vehicles went around Santa Cruz County to hand out boxes and bags of holiday food items and gifts to needy farm-working families.

Upon receiving her load of food at the Paulsen Labor Camp in Watsonville, Leticia Cruz said, “We’re very happy, especially in the winter time. This food is a great help for us. There are so many expenses.” Cruz, who has one child and is expecting another child in January, told the volunteers in the caravan, “I feel so happy. Thank you very much.”

The Gladys Anderson Christmas Project, in its 29th year, targets needy migrant farm workers who toil in the fields of the Pajaro and Salinas valleys. On Wednesday, the caravan visited the Paulsen, Murphy’s, Lakeview, San Andreas and Marmo’s labor camps.

Gladys Anderson Christmas Project collaborates with Second Harvest Food Bank, the Salvation Army and firefighters to deliver food and gifts to 200 families in need.

Anderson, a former board member of Second Harvest Food Bank and founder of the Beach Soccer Club, leads a grassroots campaign each December at the labor camps to visit families and draw up a list of specific needs. Anderson then coordinates a food and gift target list. On distribution day, the caravan then goes from camp to camp with a name list.

The project also distributes toys to children.

Pajaro Valley Fire Capt. Steve Io joined the caravan with five fellow firefighters and his son, Austin, 8, aboard two engines.

“It’s fun and it just feels good to help out. That’s what firefighters do anyway. I really felt it was important to bring my son along as well. It’s good for our youth to help like this.”