Catholic Charities of San Bernardino and Riverside Counties

SAN BERNARDINO CA –On Saturday, March 20th, over 1,400 attendees at the Catholic Charities’ 30th Anniversary Block Party on 1450 North D Street were treated to free family entertainment and food. The block party was one of four agency-wide events commemorating 30 years of “providing help, creating hope” The army of over 125 Catholic Charities volunteers in their bright yellow shirts could be seen hustling all over the three block area assisting the setting-up of tents and providing a big welcome for the families who arrived to the party.

“The intention of the ‘Block Party’ was really to give the neighbors we serve in San Bernardino a day of hope and fun for their families,” commented Ken F. Sawa, the CEO of Catholic Charities. “For 30 years, Catholic Charities’ staff and volunteers have ‘provided help, created hope’ for tens of thousands of families in the two county area and today we wanted to let the families we serve know that we really do care.”

State Senator Gloria Negrete McLeod of the 32nd District was also on hand to share in the festivities and to congratulate Catholic Charities on 30 years of serving the community.

As part of the festivities, children were able get back to nature and experience the “Farm Life,” which included petting piglets and holding hens in the petting booth. Over 330 lucky children of all ages were treated to a free photo on a pony as well pony rides. Activities included jumpers for the children, face painting and craft activities. For those who were interested, information about after school programs was available.

Music and Live Entertainment were available throughout the day by the Smooth Brothers, LaRux Rhythm and Blues, Country-Western Line Dancers, and the Explosive Drill Team. Perhaps the biggest attraction of the day was the free meal provided. Flora Lacanlale, an employee and volunteer at Catholic Charities, commented that “we gave out 2,000 hot dogs,” throughout the day as well as free fresh fruit, soda, pop corn and sno-cones.

There were over forty booths with non-profit organizations and vendors addressing the needs of families in our local community. There was a range of informational booths available to promote community awareness, such as available assistance for seniors, adults, and children. Attendees received information on how to apply for health care insurance, senior companion programs and food stamps. At the medical assistance booths there were free screenings for Blood Pressure and Diabetes, and H1N1 services were available.

Electric, gas, and water assistance information was available. Information was offered on discounted basic residential (landline) telephone services to low-income households who qualify through Universal Life-Line Telephone Service. Caseworkers representing the Census Bureau provided information and help in completing the census application, so that we all can “be counted.”