Look for the Helpers: World Central Kitchen, Front Steps Project, ‘name your price’ music lessons
As our area is faced with ongoing changes due to a growing pandemic, we are bringing stories of people doing good in the community during a time of uncertainty.
Look for the helpers.
Mister Rogers
Feeding the Heroes
World Central Kitchen is feeding hundreds of thousands of people around the country during the COVID-19, including health care workers in Ventura County.
The organization was founded by Chef Jose Andres in 2010 after the earthquake in Haiti.
World Central Kitchen set up their Southern California bureau in Ventura County and launched an initiative to feed health care workers.
They served 1,000 meals at the Ventura County Medical Center and the Santa Paula Hospital working with five restaurants in the area.
To donate or help, click here.
Front Porch Portraits
Some local photographers are taking part in a special project happening across the country.
It's called the Front Steps Project.
Photographers practicing 'social distancing' take family portraits on the front steps of their homes.
Birth photographer Aurielle Whitmore said she wanted to help document this chapter in history and highlight all of the families staying at home.
Whitmore said she also felt empathy for new parents coming home from the hospital who wouldn't have the opportunity to have their newborns photographed.
Whitmore is donating 100 percent of the proceeds from her shoots to the Foodbank of Santa Barbara County.
Special precautions are taken during the photo shoots, including no physical contact, photographing for no more than 5 minutes, and staying at least 10 feet away from the subjects.
Pay and Play
A successful songwriter and guitarist is offering 30-minute music lessons on Skype or Zoom, telling people to 'name their price' only paying what they can.
Kyle Nicolaides said no one will be turned away from lessons for lack of funds.
Nicolaides grew up in Santa Barbara and said, "I wouldn't be where I am today without the local support I got as a kid."
Nicolaides has toured the world with legendary bands and co-produced records with Grammy-winning and nominated producers.
Beginners to advanced learners are welcome.
Know of any other helpers making a difference during these trying times? Send Alys an email and let her know!
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