The line of people snaked around the parking lot in Downtown Fresno ... as dozens of workers from Cornerstone Church began unloading three tractor trailer trucks early in the morning.
12-hundred families who had pre-registered for the giveaway waited patiently for their turn.
Four-year-old Gaby and her five year old sister Eliyana understood clearly why they were in line. Gaby Falcon said, "We're waiting for the food."
The trucks came courtesy of the international relief organization "Feed the Children." The group distributes food worldwide to those affected by war, famine and disaster. Because of high unemployment and extreme poverty in the Valley, Feed the Children decided to come to Fresno.
Susan Ojeil of Feed the Children said, "One box doesn't seem like a lot ... but if you don't have anything at all it's going to give you a little relief. But we're hoping to come back if we can. We know that there's an ongoing problem here in Fresno."
Two of the boxes contained food. The third box was filled with personal care items like toothpaste and toilet paper.
One recipient, Louann Polkenhrn said, "We run out of food at the end of the month ... and I've got a great granddaughter to take care of ... so we appreciate it."
Jim Franklin, Pastor of Cornerstone Church said, "This is not going to meet their total need, but what it's going to do today is give em hope ... it's gonna let em know that in their times of difficulty they're not alone ... that they're people that care ... and I think that's what a lot of people need to know ... that they're not alone during this struggle."
That hope will be spread nationwide in the coming months as Feed the Children makes plans to stop in 19 other U.S. cities.
