Parents, grandparents, and children gathered at the Slauson Super Mall parking lot, all seeking assistance. “We Grow LA” was hosting a distribution event, providing food, clothing, and toys to those in need.
Lauren Brazile, founder of the group, shared her motivation: “We all experience times when we feel something is missing in our lives. We’re here to help fill those gaps.” The community response has been remarkable, with attendance growing each week. “We had around 300 visitors today. Now, it’s around 300-350 every Friday,” Brazile noted.
Among those waiting in line was Alfonso Arenas. Laid off from his construction job three months ago, he’s been struggling to find new work despite applying everywhere. Many others echoed similar sentiments, facing challenges due to rising costs of basic necessities.
“It’s hard to buy food and clothes,” Ambi Smith said. “That’s why we come to these events.”
The support provided at these events is crucial. Rosa Lopez emphasized, “You can save your money and get only what you need. It’s a lifeline.”
Interestingly, according to a recent study from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, inflation has led to increasing prices, further stressing household budgets. This trend highlights the ongoing need for community support services like “We Grow LA.”
The group plans to continue these weekly distributions, proving that as the community grows, so does its resilience.
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