The Tribe donated food boxes to 2,000 households in need in two hours to help feed the community and bring the holiday spirit
Corning, California – (December 18, 2020) – This season of giving, the Paskenta Band of Nomlaki Indians, through the Paskenta Nomlaki Foundation, announced a $160,000 donation to support the local community through a drive-thru food box distribution. On Monday, December 14, the Paskenta Tribe distributed food boxes to 2,000 households, with a value of more than $160,000, within two hours to the Red Bluff/Corning community ahead of the holiday season.
“While this holiday season is going to be different for everyone, we wanted to find ways to bring some holiday cheer to the community and to lessen the food insecurities many face by donating thousands of food boxes to our community,” said Tribal Chairman Andrew “Dru” Alejandre. “We’re proud to continue honoring our long-standing core value of giving back to the community.”
The drive-thru food box distribution on Monday, December 14 marked the first time the foundation conducted such an effort that provided food for 2,000 households in the community. While most food boxes were donated at the event, the Tribe partnered with a range of local organizations to identify and distribute boxes to 350 specific families in need. These organizations include: Red Bluff High School, Tehama County Department of Education, Northern California Child Development, Inc. (NCCDI), Dignity Health, Tehama County Department of Social Services Foster/homeless program, Red Bluff High School, Centennial High School and Evergreen Union School District.
In addition, Corning Rotary distributed food boxes to 150 households at Rancho Tehama, a satellite location of the main event. The food items donated included whole fresh chickens, dairy, eggs, a number of canned foods, dry goods and more.
“We were excited to see so many families come and take the food boxes,” said Alejandre. “But more than anything we were excited to see many community members volunteer their time to prepare and distribute the food boxes. Events like this are not possible without those willing to help.”
Keeping safety in mind, the food donation event was conducted by drive-thru only, adhering to the COVID-19 safety protocols for a zero-contact distribution. Those in attendance were asked to make room in their trunks, car or truck bed, before arrival and stay in their vehicle with the windows up. A masked volunteer greeted them and placed the food box in their car.
To further support the community during the holidays, the Paskenta Nomlaki Foundation also donated close to $15,000 to local organizations that hosted toy drives for local children and donated $10,000 to local senior living communities for holiday gifts for the seniors. The organizations that received these contributions include: Corning Fire Department, CHiPs for Kids/NCCDI, Red Bluff Toys for Tots, Tehama County Department of Social Services Foster Family Emergency fund, Lassen House Senior Living, Brentwood Post-Acute and Red Bluff Senior Living.
As an economic driver in the region, the Paskenta Band of Nomlaki Indians has established a long-standing commitment to help the community, they have contributed over $9 million dollars locally through the Paskenta Nomlaki Foundation to benefit local health, safety and education programs. For more information about the Paskenta Nomlaki Foundation, please visit: www.paskentanomlakifoundation.com.