Serving the community since 1922
Serving the community since 1922
Attendees browse the Love Wasco event at Canyon Hills Church on Broadway.
Browsers checking out the several adult clothing sections.
Boxes of disposable diapers were available to everyone.
Fred Cooper Sr. and Jessie Cooper were the go-to coordinators of the event.
Master of the grill was Zachary Hewes.
Assistants to the grill master were Jeremias DeLa Olla, Yolanda Hewes and Anthony Olivas.
2009 Wasco High grad Suleyma Rosales manned the infant and toddler table of clothing.
Attendees enjoyed the warm sun and freedom to engage in on-on-one contact with others.
It's been a long time since a physical event has taken place in town, and Canyon Hills started off the Thanksgiving season with a free outdoor clothing and lunch giveaway.
Attendees were all grateful that the weather was warm and balmy with a slight breeze so they could wander around the church grounds without stress seeking what they might need in the way of clothing and shoes for their family members.
Several made comments that they were fortunate to have the event scheduled this Saturday instead of scheduling it for next Saturday, which would have probably been canceled due to the pandemic and the outlook for the county to head back to the restrictive purple tier.
For Canyon Hills Church, at 600 Broadway, it was a perfect day for the church to hold its third annual Love Wasco event.
This is a time for the church to give back to the community with donated gently-used clothing and shoes to be given away.
Approximately 10 tables were set up loaded with children and infant clothing; and behind the children's table were boxes and boxes of disposable diapers. The diapers were donated by an organization connected to the church called CityServe.
CityServe is a charity network in Bakersfield serving eight Assembly of God church locations in Kern County by providing donated items such as disposable diapers, formula, food and sometimes large furniture pieces such as beds and couches.
Fred Cooper, Sr. and his wife, Jessie, spearheaded this year's event. They were both available whenever anyone had a question or a comment.
Canyon Hills puts out free clothing every Thursday for anyone who needs it.
"The event is held in November so people can get rid of their summer clothing and pick up items needed for winter weather," Cooper, Sr. said. "We also feed the homeless every Thursday, too."
Cooper, Sr. said that Canyon Hills is non-denominational and everyone is welcome to share in their events.
Zachary Hewes was the official barbecue hot dog chef for the day, and he was assisted by Jeremias DeLa Olla and Yolanda Hewes along with Anthony Olivar.
Valente DeLa Olla Sr. and his wife, Ramona DeLa Olla, live in Shafter but attend church at Canyon Hills. "We have a great team working," Ramona said. "We all work together."
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