COVID-19: Elks Lodge partners with Santa Barbara County Foodbank to deliver more than 500 food bags to those in need

SANTA MARIA, Calif. - Teresa Kruchas has been struggling since losing her job during the pandemic. "No unemployment has come through we have no other assistance so this means a whole lot."

Kruchas was one of hundreds of families in need who patiently waited in a long line of cars at elks lodge, to receive a bag of food from the Santa Barbara County Foodbank.

For volunteers with the Elks Lodge, delivering the food was just as emotional as for the families receiving the food.

"I can’t believe how much has been contributed it just tears me up, " said Glenda Jennings with the Elks Lodge.

Last week, Elks members say they delivered about 200 of food bags.

Now they’re delivering more than 500 to those in need

"Anything to help the community. We’re here to help everybody and we’re just grateful to be able to get out here ourselves and do it," said Jennings.

This is the first time Elks Lodge has partnered with the Santa Barbara County Foodbank.

Both organizations hope to continue the partnership even after the COVID-19 crisis.