FIND Food Bank continues giving hours after annual telethon

The FIND Food Bank in Indio serves 85,000 people every month. Last night CBS Local 2 held a telethon, raising more than $185,000 so far, to help pay for the mission.

Not even 24 hours after its biggest fundraiser of the year, FIND is back out in the community, giving food to people who need it.

“We really are the complete circle. You know, you saw us throw this great party last night and raise funds that help us do our work. But hours before and after here we are. The work doesn’t stop,” said Chantel Schuering, community relations director at FIND.

This is the fourth time FIND is out at Shadow Hills High School for their monthly food-assistance distribution.

“We wanted to work in this community. We identified it as a food desert. There is not an affordable grocery store within several miles of here. And so it’s also a natural gathering place because it’s a school,” Schuering said.

Crowds of people lining up to get their fair share. FIND provided fresh produce, canned goods and meat to families in need.

“Affordability is an issue too. A lot of people would like to feed their families better and they aren’t able to because food is really expensive. And that’s why we focus on offering as much fresh produce as possible,” Schuering said.

After Esteban Garcia had heart surgery, he was told he couldn’t work anymore. He said he’s grateful for the extra help he gets from FIND.

“Every community gets some much help from this. Thanks to these folks who come here to help us,” Garcia said.

Organizers said events like this wouldn’t be possible without their volunteers, getting high school students involved and giving back to their community.

“I really just like being here because it’s great to give back to your community and provide for people when you have the ability to. Because if you don’t provide for people when you’re on the high, who’s going to provide for you when you’re on the low,” said Caedwyn Lethlean, a senior in high school.