BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — The Ravi and Naina Patel Foundation announced Wednesday it is donating $195,000 to the Dolores Huerta Foundation Vecinos Emergency Relief program.

The program works with Kern County families to help relieve food insecurity and unemployment. But during the COVID-19 pandemic, the program is focused on serving as a community navigator and provide assistance for those affected by COVID-19.

The Dolores Huerta Foundation said it is assisting families with applying for unemployment benefits, providing information on testing and treatment, distribution of personal protective equipment like masks and hand sanitizer, and educating on protecting oneself from the virus.

It is also working on providing tech equipment and assistance for students and parents to support distance learning and distribution of children's books and school supplies.

"This generous donation will help those in our community who are least likely to seek services because of their immigration status or residency," said Camila Chavez, Executive Director of the Dolores Huerta Foundation.