Local organizations host "Restoration Wednesday" for community members in need

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KERO) — Now more than ever, kind deeds are needed.

“People lost their jobs, a lot of people lost their purpose, some people lost loved ones. Drugs and substance abuse have skyrocketed recently," said Bakersfield Recovery Services Outreach Coordinator Andrew Laird

On the last Wednesday of every month, Bakersfield Recovery Services gets together with the Apple Core Project and New Wine Church for an event called Restoration Wednesday.

“We meet here with various goods and resources such as hygiene products, candy during Halloween. This month we brought gifts, clothing, blankets," said Laird.

They bring food and necessities to people living at the Residence Inn on Union Avenue.

“These are trying times for people, especially with a history of substance abuse and addiction," said Laird

He said the monthly event helps the residents as well as the volunteers. Some of the clients from Bakersfield Recovery Services join in on helping others as a part of their own recovery process.

“We think that a big part of recovery is community service, so we find a lot of success with our clients whenever we need volunteers, so that’s a big part of it too," said Laird.

All food and items are donated, although Laird said sometimes the organizations cook the food themselves.

To receive these items, you do need to be a resident at the hotel. Laird said they generally help a little more 100 people, plus 25 to 30 kids, each time.

“For us we also try to establish relationships. It’s not just, 'Hey, here’s some food. See you next month.' We try to get to know them a little bit," said Laird.

You can reach out to the organizations via Facebook if you’d like to donate.