#NeighborhoodHeroes: 14-year-old writes weekly letters to frontline workers
14-year old Faith Garza, living in the Coachella Valley, is taking initiative during the coronavirus pandemic to write thank you letters to frontline workers. Her mother Christina Garza said, "In this time she is writing thank you notes to front liners and other medical staff to let them know that we are thinking of them and are very thankful for what they do." Faith is no stranger to kind acts, her mother said she also makes stockings every year for underprivileged kids during the Christmas time.
Faith said, “I wanted to recognize first responders and frontline workers because they are going through a hard time right now.” She has handed out over 100 thank you cards since April to urgent cares and hospitals. She said, “Let them know that we still appreciate them with what we can do.” Faith mentioned she doesn't have any family members who work in healthcare but some of her friends parents do. She added, “Some of my friends parents are actually frontline workers and they have been away from home a lot.” Faith recognized the sacrifice it takes to help others stay safe during the pandemic. Faith said, “When I grow up I want to be in the medical field, especially peds.” Christina mentioned, “There’s just so many ways to reach out and help people and show them that you care and want to be able to recognize the fact that they are keeping us safe.”
Her mother Christina mentioned, “She understands that giving back is better than receiving and that’s what we have tried to raise her to believe.”Faith is no stranger to giving back. Faith created a non-profit organization called Faith's Giving Heart. During Christmas time, she makes and hands out stockings to low income families. Faith expressed her hope in continuing her non-profit journey. She said, “When I’m older I hope to still continue Faith’s Giving Heart and maybe even expand to more holidays so that every kid and family can get something.” Her mother said, “She’s a very selfless girl and I love her for that.”
News Channel 3's Taban Sharifi will have more on this neighborhood hero, tonight at 5 p.m. on KESQ.
Celebrating #NeighborhoodHeroes
While the coronavirus crisis is keeping us apart, we know the Coachella Valley community is still coming together to help each other. We are looking for those who are lending a hand during this uncertain time. Do you know of any everyday people who are going out of their way to help others? Have you seen someone find creative solutions to the new challenges we all face?
News Channel 3 wants to celebrate these neighborhood heroes. Tell us about them here. Enter HERE or email SHARE@kesq.com. If you see good happening on social media, share it with us, and tag it #neighborhoodheroes for us to see.
We are all in this together. Help us showcase the good that's happening right here in the Coachella Valley.
Kaiser recommends that those in the Coachella Valley who are elderly and have underlying health conditions, including individuals who are HIV positive, limit non-essential travel and avoid large public gatherings.
Health officials said anyone who thinks they might be experiencing symptoms of the virus and want to be seen at Eisenhower Health should call the hospital hotline first at 760-837-8988. Avoid the spread of this illness.
Residents with further questions can call 2-1-1 and 800–CDC –INFO (800 – 232 – 4636) with any questions.
Public health recommendations for all Riverside County residents during community spread:
Practice social distancing, which is remaining out of places where people meet or gather and avoid using public transportation, if possible.
Do not attend work, school or events when sick. Stay home.
Cough into your elbow or tissue.
Wash hands frequently and use hand sanitizer often.
Stay away from anyone who is sick.
