Local Facebook group holds virtual raffle to raise money for those in-need during COVID-19

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — A local Facebook group wants to help people get through the coronavirus pandemic by offering to buy supplies for those in-need, but the group needs help.

The COVID-19 Rainbow Hope Project was organized by local woman Brittany Garcia, who said she wanted to help first responders and families struggling to get supplies.

Garcia said when the page started, it was just her, her boyfriend, and her mom gathering supplies and buying items with their own money. Then taking those supplies to those who posted on the page saying they were in-need.

Now Garcia is trying to raise money to further her mission.

Garcia organized a raffle at the Park at Riverwalk. Members paid $5 to enter the raffle with the opportunity to win a Starbucks cup or a box of items.

The entire raffle was held over Facebook Live so as to maintain health and safety guidelines.

Garcia said they were able to raise $430 for charities to help families, emergency response teams, and frontline workers.