Update, Dec. 11: The CRC received enough donations to buy a new truck.
ENCINITAS, Calif. (KGTV) - The Community Resource Center, a nonprofit that helps feed more than 400 needy families every month, needs a new truck or its food program could be in jeopardy.
"We can't afford to have these problems," says Food and Nutrition Program Manager Yanira Frias. "We've got food we need to get to the center. Families are waiting for it."
The truck, named "Fred," makes about ten deliveries per day, driving to grocery stores around Carlsbad and Encinitas to pick up donations. It averages 2,000 pounds of food per day. In many cases, the food is taken directly to the Community Resource Center and given away to families before it can even be brought inside.
But recently, Fred has been breaking down.
"It left me stranded on the 805," says driver Jerome Williams. "Week before last, it just died. We tried to jump it, that worked. But Every now and then it'll be something."
Williams says the CRC spent about $6,000 last year to keep Fred on the road. The non-profit is now trying to raise $65,000 to buy a new truck.
They want one with refrigeration, so perishable food won't be at risk to spoil during long deliveries.
"We depend on this," says Williams. "We just need it to work, get the food to the center, get it dropped off, start again."
"Fred's been through a lot," adds Frias. "I think it's time to retire Fred."
The CRC also runs the popular "Holiday Baskets" program every December. It gives food, clothes, toys and more to needy families for the holidays. They say if they have to use money out of the main budget to buy a new truck, it could affect the amount they can give away for Christmas.
The CRC is accepting donations to replace Fred. To donate, text "CRC" to 71777. Or go to the website here.
