BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — For 15 years, Naina and Ravi Patel have been serving their community, alongside volunteers and Comprehensive Blood and Cancer Center physicians.

“Christmas, Thanksgiving, people spend a lot of time with others, then all of a sudden it’s dead around New Years,” said Patel, the Medical Director at CBCC. “So, what we decided is why don’t we start New Year’s Day by bringing in hope and encouragement for those who are lost and forgotten

They set up a tent and served 500 hot meals at CBCC’s west parking lot.

They also gifted the needy with hoodies, sweaters, toiletries, hygiene kits, gloves and many other assorted items.

The Ravi and Naina Patel Foundation partnered up with many organizations this year, including the Mission at Kern County, Homeless Center, Lift/Project 152 and many more.