ALPINE, Calif. (KGTV) - Feeding San Diego set up outside of the First Baptist Church of Alpine Tuesday and distributed food to families affected by the West Fire.
Volunteers with the organization say giving back in any way means everything to them.
“What we can do is give up our time and when you give your time and your heart is there, you're an angel,” said volunteer Marlene Jago. “We all need angels in our lives."
The food distribution happened from 9:30 to 10:30 in the morning and was also open to anyone who needed fresh produce and other food items.
“I need, we need it,” said Tony Hanlon who lost his home in the fire. “We need it so I'm glad it was here.”
Hanlon said he watched from afar as the flames took over his mobile home park.
“I was doing some work with a friend, I was about two miles from it so I could see what was happening, but they had the freeway blocked off so I couldn't get over there,” he said. “All I could do is wait.”
Dozens of homes were destroyed and people like Hanlon were left with nothing, now relying on the kindness of strangers during a difficult time.
The CEO of Feeding San Diego, Vince Hall, said he was proud to see the community come together and help those in need.
“San Diegans are a very close-knit community and a moment like this we forget all of our differences and we come together,” said Hall. “We unite to help people in need and that's what's happening here today, feeding San Diego is able to provide this food precisely because so many San Diegans have responded and helped us.
Feeding San Diego will host another food distribution Wednesday, July 18th from 9:30am to 10:30am at the First Baptist Church of Alpine located at 1912 Arnold Way.
The distribution is first come, first served and open to everyone 18 years or older. Recipients must bring bags and each family can receive 20 to 25 pound of fresh produce and staple items.
To see how to donate, click HERE.
