EastLake Church Network to Feed Nearly 1,000 Tijuana Families for One Month TIJUANA, BAJA CALIFORNIA, May 8, 2020 – Tijuana and San Diego-- Sister cities bonded by history, family, school, culture and economies. In the pre-COVID-19 days, over 100,000 people crossed the border every day to work, visit family and friends, attend school, see doctors and dentists, and simply enjoy their shared love of food, drink, and culture. But much of that has now come to a stop, as both cities reel from the consequences of the invasion of the deadly COVID-19 virus. While both cities are suffering from illness, the loss of loved ones, and severe economic loss, the situation in Tijuana is catastrophic. Many of its 2.1 million residents now find themselves without jobs or resources. People are starving. EastLake Church Network, with 10 locations throughout California, Utah and Baja California, has committed to “be the church” to people in need during this challenging time. Out of their desire to help was born Barriga Llena Corazon Contento (Full Tummy, Happy Heart), an outreach program designed to help feed the poorest of the poor in Tijuana. In collaboration with other churches in the Tijuana area, project leaders have been able to identify vulnerable families in desperate need. A few generous donations have made possible the purchase of enough EBT-type gift cards to feed approximately 1,000 families for one month. “Through the generosity of our church community we are able to give back to the families who have been hardest hit by this pandemic across the Border and in our local communities,” said James Grogan, lead pastor of the EastLake Church Network. “Our mission is to help those in need and this season has been an opportunity for us to show others how even the simplest act of kindness can go a long way,” said Grogan. “We are grateful for the collaboration of other churches and community members who will assist us in ensuring this effort is well executed,” said Fito Gonzales, EastLake Church Network pastor of both Playas and Zona Rio locations. Distribution of the gift cards, which are limited to the purchase of essential groceries and personal hygiene items, will begin the week of May 11. 990 Lane Ave | Chula Vista, CA 91914 | eastlake.church | 619-421-4100
Media Contact: Alma Fisher 619-677-0704 afisher@eastlakechurch.com ### About EastLake Church Network Since its early beginning in 1991 with three families that met in a living room, the EastLake Church family has grown to a total of 10 churches with locations in Chula Vista, Imperial Beach, Playas de Tijuana, Zona Rio, La Jolla, Venice Beach, Donovan Correctional Facility, Paradise Village Retirement Community, Salt Lake City and an online campus. One of the core values of the churches in the EastLake Network is a commitment to reach beyond our own walls to meet the needs of others. From partnering with the Bilateral Safety Corridor Coalition in 2014 to fully fund the first emergency response shelter in San Diego for victims of human trafficking, to building homes in Tijuana and providing funding and volunteer hours to the San Diego Rescue Mission for meals, education programs and new outreach efforts, EastLake Church has a long-standing history of service.
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