Help The Well in the Desert pour out meals this summer
For more than 15 years The Well in the Desert in Palm Springs has been a pantry for the homeless, elderly and struggling families.
“We provide daily hot nutritious meals, 125 people a day, sacked lunches and home deliveries,” said Well in the Desert President Arlene Rosenthal.
Just last week the organization was flooded with fears that this summer the well would run dry after discovering an annual $25,000 grant, meant to get the Well through July and August, wouldn’t be distributed until September.
Getting through the summer heat alone is a struggle, and without the grant to help, the organization would suspend it’s services and many could be left famished.
“It’s very deadly, we have people die. It’s terrible,” said Rosenthal.
Rosenthal called on the community for help. She received unbelievable response from Palm Springs businesses, which announced to host a day of support next week.
Sunday, July 14:
Oscar’s Cafe and Bar — 5% of Sunday brunch and lunch sales go to the Well (10am – 4pm).
Crystal Fantasy — 10% of all sales will be donated.
Monday, July 15:
Crystal Fantasy — 10% of all sales will be donated.
Wednesday, July 17:
Studio M Salon and Spa — 5% of spa and salon appointments will be donated, also accepting non-perishable food donations during regular business hours.
Thursday, July 18:
Zin American Bistro — 10% of your bill will be donated if you bring a grocery bag of non-perishable food. Without, 5% will still be donated.
“We might even do it monthly throughout the summer,” said Crystal Fantasy owner Joy Meredith.
Every dollar makes a difference. Donations help put food on the table for thousands of families in the Coachella Valley.
“It may be small giving someone a sacked lunch, but it got them through the day so they can go get interview, something they couldn’t because they were so hungry,” said the Well food distribution manager Jerry Brownlee.
He added, “I was on the street myself going through some troubled times, someone valuable with the organization helped me out.”
The well hopes to keep pouring out enough to serve others.
For more ways to help, go to www.WellintheDesert.org
