The Imperial Irrigation District recently led a clothing drive for residents of the Coachella Valley and teamed up with two other agencies in the Valley to supply winter care packages to those in need.
Employees of Imperial Irrigation District (IID) have been donating hats, jackets, mittens, sweaters, blankets and more for the past month, in addition to their usual acts of kindness.
“As good neighbors, IID employees came together this holiday season to touch the lives of others in the communities we serve,” General Manager Henry Martinez said, according to the company website. “It’s heartwarming to see the hard work and generosity of our employees who participated in this winter clothing drive to make this a more cheerful season by helping others in need.”
The Imperial Irrigation District is a public agency devoted to securing affordable and efficient energy for residents of the Imperial Valley. It is concerned with transparency, in conjunction with fiscal responsibility, to best serve its communities.
“We cannot lose as an agency if we are serving the public good,” according to the website’s mission statement.
The donations amassed by IID employees went to two community organizations that work toward the public good: NorthEnd Alliance 111 and Desert Recreation District.
NorthEnd Alliance 111 is an informal community organization dedicated to the well-being of the communities of Niland, Calipatria and Bombay Beach. It is comprised of women who grew up in the area and have a common goal of a desire to improve it.
“The NorthEnd Alliance members view themselves as filling a void that is typically not found in more populated Valley locales whose greater levels of social, commercial and political activity have served to nurture outspoken community members of the type not generally found in Niland, Calipatria or Bombay Beach,” according to the Calexico Chronicle. “Any assistance that is provided to the region’s residents should be coupled with efforts to empower them to advocate for themselves.”
The Desert Recreation District (DRD) is the largest park and recreation district in California. Its mission is to provide recreational activities for all of the Greater Coachella Valley, regardless of a resident's economic means.
“Our vision, mission and values are at the heart and soul of the district,” according to the DRD website. “We are committed to serving our residents by providing quality programs, services and facilities that promote an active, healthy lifestyle for all.”
The clothes will be donated to those who are less fortunate, according to NorthEnd Alliance 111.
“Some families are really struggling,” NorthEnd President Nellie Perez told the IID website. “This extra help really does fill a need and will help brighten their holidays.”