East Valley Holds Car Wash For Hospitalized Youth Leader

The Esperanza Youth and Family Center in Coachella held a car wash fundraiser to benefit 19-year-old Ashley Mendoza, of Indio, on Saturday.

Mendoza and three other people were in a car accident back on Feb. 12, that left Mendoza in a coma and with multiple injuries.

Mendoza was a youth advisor at the center and her friends and co-workers are raising money to help her family with medical costs.

“We’re here just to help her and help her family and make it easier for them to be there and support her and bring her back so she can continue the great work she’s doing here with the youth of our community,” said Vivian Perez, the executive director of the youth center.

Emmanuel De Lara, Mendoza’s boyfriend was also injured in the accident, however, made sure he was at the car wash to help.

“It shows how much of an impact she has on the community, it’s been hard on me, but this is a good thing to see,” said De Lara.

Organizers said they raised nearly $1,000 from Saturday’s event.

Mendoza’s family said she is slowly recovering at Totally Kids Healthcare in Loma Linda.