Group is “all in” to help unemployed during COVID-19 pandemic
SEASIDE, Calif. (KION) Isobel Swart is only in 4th grade, but every Wednesday has has a very special job. "We put together all this food to give out to people who have lost their job or lost their business due to the Coronavirus," said Swart.
Tomas Gonzales picked up food for his two daughters at home. "It helps a lot. We don't have that much money," said Gonzales.
Gonzales works at the Hyatt in Monterey, but his hours aren't what they used to be. "I'm working one or two days a week. Because of the economy, we're not working that much," said Gonzales.
Gonzales drove one of 650 cars that lined up at Seaside High School last Wednesday. The volunteers that fill up their trunks with fresh produce and hot meals call themselves "All In Monterey County."
"This is not a charity. You're our brothers, sisters, moms, dads, our community, our friends, our neighbors," said "All In" founder, Tanya Kosta.
Kosta started "All In" back in April when she saw a need and decided to fill it. "All In is just about making sure everybody has the essentials in life right now," said Kosta.
"All In" has has partnered the Monterey County Food Bank to feed thousands of families during the pandemic, but they've gone beyond that. They also offer clothes, toys and toiletries inside empty classrooms at Seaside High School.
"All In" plans to host food drives through August. Kosta hopes the community can continue to come together for even longer. "There are really great people with the right kinds of hearts who are ready to help us. As long as we have that, we are going to be here," said Kosta.
