Despite Improving Economy, Hundreds Line Up For Holiday Food Boxes In San Jose
SAN JOSE (KCBS) — Dozens of needy families camped out Thursday night in front of the Sacred Heart Community Center in San Jose while hundreds more waited to sign up for holiday food boxes for Thanksgiving and toys for Christmas.
Sacred Heart spokesman Jay Pecot said the first person to line up was a mother with small children about 3 p.m. on Thursday afternoon for the signup that was set to start at 9 a.m. Friday. She was the first of about 4,000 families that Sacred Heart expected to need help this year—about the same as last year.
Despite Improving Economy, Hundreds Line Up For Holiday Food Boxes In San Jose
"That's what has been going on all year round. Even with the economy getting better, there are still people who need help," Pecot said.
Jesi Romero, who lined up at about 4:30 p.m. on Thursday said she arrived early weathering the cold and fog.
"By 9 o'clock, the line will be…around the block," she said.
By 7 a.m. the line went on for about two blocks.
Pecot said needy families in Silicon Valley are struggling with rising rents and the recent cut backs on food stamps this month after Congress reduced monthly benefits for food stamp recipients.
This holiday season will be especially hard on the poor, Pecot said.
(Copyright 2013 by CBS San Francisco. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)
