Help the Garcia family who have given us so much

  The Garcia family, a family that helps the community.


On September 18, 2020, a fire broke out in the adjacent backyard behind the Garcia home.  The fire spread and jumped into the Garcia’s backyard destroying the entire yard, carport, patio, storage sheds and outdoor kitchen.  There was nothing left.  The heat was so intense it blew out all the windows of their home. It melted the electrical panel, all wires from the electric poles, and cause smoke damage inside the home. The fire has left them without power since September.  They have been dealing with insurance companies, but with Covid-19 closing offices, progress has been slow.  Permits are finally approved but the damages exceed insurance coverage.  The Garcia family has been on this property since 1922 and the backhouse is 70 years old, thus due to code upgrade requirements they do not have enough funds to finish all repairs and rebuild what was lost. 

For over 10 years the East Los Angeles Chapter of the Blind have held monthly meetings in various locations. Then when they were unable to locate a site Mr. and Mrs. Philip and Virgina Garcia offered use of their large backyard. For the next 46 years, the Garcia family would cook a home cooked meal and feed all in attendance. What was supposed to be a one-time thing turned into over 4 decades. Mr. Garcia, a WWII decorated Vet, always said “Our door is always open, and NO ONE leaves this house hungry”.  Sadly, Mr. and Mrs. Garcia have passed on, but their children have continued their legacy until recently. First Covid19 hit and meetings had to be postponed. Now, tragedy has come upon the Garcia family, the eldest son and his wife passed, and the FIRE struck their home, all in 2020.

The remaining 4 children and their families wish to continue their parent’s legacy. The Garcia’s need $23,500 to cover costs, as well as purchase tables, chairs and supplies so they can continue to open their doors to the community of East Los Angeles. Not only do they assist the Blind, but they also host a yearly safe and fun Haunted maze for the neighborhood children. At Christmas, the youngest son collects toys and gifts. Dressed as Santa he takes the gifts to the CHP and Fire Department. The Garcia’s have fed the homeless and have cooked for church fundraisers for years. They loan their large yard for neighborhood parties, Posadas and weddings. One wedding in 2019 was a Blind couple who met there at a Chapter meeting. In all the years the Garcia’s have been giving to the community, not once have they ever asked for payment or anything in return.  They are a true family of Love, Generosity and Devotion.

We thank you for reading the Garcia’s story and hope you join us in helping them rebuild.  They have given so much, let us Help them.

 

The California Council of the Blind – East Los Angeles Chapter is endorsing their Go Fund Me Page.