Please feel free to click on the school district link for additional photos and brief summary to the day’s events.

http://www.losnietos.k12.ca.us/

Feed the Family: Los Nietos district, foundation partner to give food, toys to needy families

By Tracy Garcia, Staff Writer Posted: 12/17/2010 05:14:37 PM PST

WEST WHITTIER - Organizers said it was a little tougher getting donations this year - but still, about 150 families will each receive a bag of canned and dry food, fresh produce, meat and toys, thanks to a local foundation and the Los Nietos School District.

It's been several years since the Southeast Los Angeles County Educational Foundation began its annual Feed The Family program, which provides enough food for a holiday meal and toys to the neediest families in the community.

But this year, the 2,000-student Los Nietos district stepped up its participation, with school secretaries and district officials working together to identify students whose families were struggling the most.

And on Friday, dozens of administrators, teachers, parents and students gathered at the district office throughout the morning, working as an assembly line to fill recyclable bags with food that will be picked up by recipients today.

"Today is actually a furlough day for us, but we had so many employees come to help out these families," said Superintendent Jonathan Vasquez. "That says a lot about the kind of staff we have."

The holiday giveaway is a major undertaking, said SELAC President and Los Nietos trustee Nicholas Aquino, who was aided by fellow foundation member and trustee Art Escobedo.

"It takes a lot of effort and planning, and without the help of the district folks, it wouldn't have happened," Aquino said. "It's been a challenge getting donations the last couple of years, but this year was pretty difficult.

"Normally, we get 50 turkeys donated - and this year, we only got 12," he said. "But I think in the end, everyone kind of realized how great the need is this year."

Los Angeles County supervisors Gloria Molina and Don Knabe - who both represent portions of the school district - were able to contribute money and toys to Feed The Family, and district employees and vendors also donated, organizers said.

"It was so heartening to see students and parents and staff and principals together here to help out," said Assistant Superintendent Mary McNeil, who was among about 30 volunteers putting the bags together Friday.

"We had volunteers come out this morning that we could be supporting through this program, too," McNeil said. "And even they donated items and gave their time."

Despite the fact that district staffers are taking eight furlough days and administrators are taking 11 unpaid days this school year, "They were still thinking about other people first this holiday season," Vasquez said.

"And that's what makes Los Nietos special."

tracy.garcia@sgvn.com

562-698-0955, ext. 3051