NAVIDAD EN EL
BARRIO 2002
Family
Christmas Food Basket,
Gift Distribution,
and
Health / Career Fair
Saturday,
December 14, 2002
8:00 am to 5:00 pm
In
the Church Parking lot next to El Proyecto Headquarters
El Proyecto del Barrio Headquarters
8902 Woodman Ave., Arleta
CA 91331
818-830-7090 - Fax: 818-830-7280
You
must apply for the Basket Give Away in Advance.
Call the number above for information.
Navidad en el Barrio History
Navidad En El Barrio
began as a means to make Christmas a little brighter for needy families
in the Hispanic Community of East Los Angeles.
In 1972, Danny Villanueva founded Navidad En El Barrio.
Villanueva was a former National Football League Kicker with the Los
Angeles Rams and Dallas Cowboys and was then the general manager of
a local television station.
Few would envision how Navidad would grow and prosper.
Twenty-seven years later, Navidad En El Barrio
which translates to Christmas in the neighborhoodÖraises almost $1 million
annually to provide Christmas food baskets to 20,000 needy families
of all races and creeds. A marketing committee that includes leaders
in the food industry has developed a marketing strategy that includes
food chains and independent markets.
Over the years, Navidad En El Barrio has brought
holiday joy, food and toys to almost a million families in need from
Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, Ventura,
Imperial and Santa Barbara counties in California as well as the greater
Las Vegas area in Nevada.
The non-profit 501(c)3 is governed by a Board
of Director's made up of business and community leaders. The Board works
with corporate sponsors who donate cash, food supplies or toys for the
holiday program.
Funds are raised through an annual Telethon,
which broadcasts in December each year. In 2001, it was broadcast for
hours on Telemundo KWHU-TV Channel 52 in Los Angeles.
Following the Telethon, food is delivered before
Christmas through a network of neighborhood community agencies who identify
those in need and then handle distribution, making sure the baskets
arrive well before Christmas.
In its' 30 years, Navidad En El Barrio has not
altered its goal nor changed its' methods of operationÖboth have only
gotten bigger. The goal is still providing food for those who need itÖ20,000
baskets, each filled with 15 to 20 items. The size of the baskets has
increased as the neighborhood has grown from East Los Angeles to including
all of Southern California and Las Vegas.
