With the help of a local organization a two-year-old still keeps warm with a coat his mother received last year through First Five's program -- Bringing Accessible Supplies into Communities or "BASIC".
Raisin City resident Alejandra Cruz said, "They provided jackets for my kids it's a great help because they grow so fast."
Many of the parents who live in Raisin City walk to the local elementary school for BASIC's School Readiness Program.
Kendra Rogers with First Five Fresno County said there are families all over the Valley in need. "Some of our families have to choose from buying diapers for the week or paying PG&E or putting food on the table," said Rogers.
In a warehouse boxes are stacked high -- full of diapers, pajamas and bags of children's coats ready to be given away. On Saturday First Five will distribute more than half a million diapers, 48-hundred coats for children, 17-hundred sets of pajamas, 27-hundred packages of wipes and three-thousand food boxes to 14 rural communities.
"It's a big surprise to see how many families come for that help," said Cruz.
In order to participate families must pre-register by receiving a voucher from local non-profit agencies first. Rogers said vouchers will give families a greater connection that lasts long after the giveaway is over.
"So you don't just have people waiting in line and walking away. People are forming those relationships because it's all about sustaining relationships in the community," said Rogers.
Cruz said parents here are already making connections. "The jacket they give me I can give back to them to provide for another child," said Cruz.
There are still a limited number of vouchers available on a first come first serve basis. For more information on which organizations still have vouchers call 559-244-0105
Catholic Charities
(559) 237-0851
Every Neighborhood Partnership
(559) 250-6860
Koinonia Worship Center
(559) 389-8987
Salvation Army
(559) 233-0138
ESA/Love Inc
(559) 244-0105
