Forty families, residents of a mobile home park in southeast Fresno, have recently made a lot of new friends after being unofficially adopted by the Central California Conference office staff.

This past December, Eric Manro told his wife, Sandra, about taking food to a friend only to discover he lived in an impoverished trailer park. Sandra, CCC accounts receivable clerk, began to think about how to further assist this family and their neighbors.

In the conference office lobby, a Christmas tree stood decorated with colored envelopes for cash donations to help others. Executive Secretary Ramiro Cano was spearheading this ministry. When Sandra shared the need, the office staff unanimously agreed to get involved. And with more than their cash donations.

On Sunday, Dec. 19, staff gathered to prepare 40 food baskets and a hot meal. Love notes translated into Spanish and literature were also included. More than 30 children enjoyed piñatas filled with goodies as baskets were delivered door-to-door.

“These families touched the inner core of our staff,” says Sandra. "A one-time visit was most definitely not enough."

Monthly visits were organized. In January, vehicles filled with food, clothing, shoes and a blanket for each child drove into the park. With a hot meal and entertainment, a puppet show for the children, residents began asking, “Just who are these people that want to help us.”

In February, children’s clothes and food were delivered along with a story hour. Irving Haylock, pastor of the nearby Sequoia Adventist church plant, and some of his members joined in. The park manager met everyone and said all the tenants had told her they had had the best Christmas ever. So impressed, she stayed and prayed with the group.

In March, hygiene items and basic necessities were given to each family. For April, a bilingual praise service, requested by the residents, and a children’s program were part of the afternoon ministry. Prayer is also a regular part of each monthly visit.

Sandra is amazed by what the Lord continues to do. “He provides even special treats, like chocolate covered strawberries, something these families would never even think to buy as they are focused on basic survival."