No tricks, just treats for kids at CRCD event
EL CENTRO – Cancer Sucks, may be a trademarked expression, but it’s also a truth, especially when it touches the lives of children.
On Friday, Cancer Resource Center of the Desert attempted to seize back some of the fun snatched from the lives of its youngest clients by holding a drive-thru Halloween event in front of its offices at 444 S. Eighth St.
About 28 kids, ages 2 to 19, who are current or recovered cancer patients, participated. They and their families drove past a series of booths, including a DJ station, where they were greeted by volunteers, as well as by Sheriff Woody from the Toy Story films and his festively attired helper.
The cars were asked to circle the block and make a second pass through the reception line, at which point they were provided gift bags and buckets from CRCD and its partners in the event.
The idea behind having the cars pass through the line twice was to build anticipation for the kids, one of the event’s partners, State Farm insurance agent Sierra Jaime, explained.
The event was organized quickly and on short notice, largely at the urging of CRCD board member Ronnie Platero, who was on hand Friday distributing gift baskets to the kids on behalf of PrimeLending, where she works as branch manager.
Projects such as organizing Friday’s event is one of Platero’s strengths, CRCD Chief Executive Officer Helen Palomino observed. “She really does a lot for our kids.”
The other vendor on hand Friday was Marissa Perez, a Realtor with DMA Real Estate. She was handing out small pumpkins as well as craft materials with which to decorate them. “I wanted to give them something they could do themselves,” Perez explained.