You may have seen or maybe you know Yolanda Ochoa and her daughter Destiny (Team Ochoa). They can be seen around the KRV as undercover volunteer crusaders helping those in need. They have a 24 year association with Community Action Partnership and currently hold a board position, 23 years helping Saint Jude Catholic Church, along with FFA at Kern Valley High School and now Ochoa is the site coordinator at the Salvation Army. They have held this position for about 2 ½ years. Yolanda relocated to the Kern River Valley with her husband and four children from Los Angeles in 1997. Destiny has been at her side helping others since Yolanda retired and Destiny graduated from high school.
When is the KRV Salvation Army open for service?:
Monday and Friday. 9:00am to 11:00am for food distribution and Tuesday for bill assistance.
How many families do you provide food service for?:
Destiny and I prepare baskets with food and occasionally some toiletries, for about 50 families per day, 100 families per week. Also electric bill assistance when funds are available.
Where do the food donations come from?:
Our local Von’s Market and Grocery Outlet. We also receive some extra goodies from individuals in our community.
If someone would like to donate to our local families through the Kern River Valley Salvation Army what are some of the things that are needed?:
SOAP ! So many times people have come in to ask for a simple bar of soap. Toiletries such as toothpaste, feminine products, deodorant, toothbrush Etc. Laundry detergent and socks.
New or gently used toys for the children.
Team Ochoa, do you have any shout outs?:
We appreciate our friends and family helping us so much and we definitely would like to give a “shout out” to Lana Clark who founded the Happy Feet Dance!
Thank you Team Ochoa for helping our community here in the Kern River Valley. We appreciate you !
