Relief available to farmworkers
Organizations offer food, rental assistance

Due to the recent record cold temperatures, Ventura County has suffered from record crop damage and loss. Many local farmworkers are now out of work or have reduced hours and will not obtain any work for up to six weeks or longer depending on when the next crop is available to harvest.

Many families in the county have either been laid off or had hours of work reduced as a result of the freeze.

Various Ventura County organizations are now coordinating efforts to distribute food and rental or mortgage and utilities assistance to those in need.

Individuals and organizations can help with a financial donation. One hundred percent of donations will go toward food, rental/mortgage and utility assistance for the farmworkers. For all donations, "Freeze Fund" should be written in the memo area of checks.

Financial donations can be made to: Freeze Fund, c/oVentura County Community Foundation, 1317 Del Norte Road, Ste. 150, Camarillo, CA 93010.

Donating money to the Ventura County Community Foundation ensures that it will go to the appropriate organizations that provide local services.

Volunteers are also needed at the Oxnard FOOD Share to pack boxes of food. To volunteer, call Meg at (805) 983-7100, ext. 105.

Clothing, blankets and food are not needed at this time.

For more information, call Sonja Flores at (805) 889-7366.