TUCSON, Arizona (KOLD News 13) – This week we recognize a mother and daughter in South Tucson who are doing everything they can to help those in need.
“It started off as an annual yard sale and, of course, a pandemic hit,” said Irma Montano, this week’s Heart & Sol recipient.
COVID has stopped selling the Lifebridge cemetery – but that hasn’t stopped parishioners Irma Montano and her daughter Ling Ortega, who are Heart & Sol recipients this week. The two made every effort to give all donated clothing, household items and cuddly toys to those who needed them. They continued to collect and hand out items that led to the Giving Table. Montano said they have helped more than 1,000 people so far.
“I call this my happy place,” said Maria Valenzuela, a volunteer at the Giving Kitchen.
Valenzuela attended the Giving Table in November and then decided she wanted to help too.
“She is very reliable and we couldn’t do this without the volunteers,” said Montano. “She is one of our strongest volunteers.”
The three women are a strong team that helps every person who visits them. She said some people show up after losing their home in a fire, living in their car, losing their jobs, or any other trouble they may be facing.
Due to the pandemic, the Giving Table has identified an immense need.
“We saw human worlds collapse. Members who came in helped support the Giving Table. At the same time, their lives changed, ”said Ortega.
More than a year later, she said the need didn’t stop, and neither did the giving table.
“We’re exactly where we feel we need to be,” she said.
The Giving Table also gives food boxes to families. You are looking for a partner organization to keep up with the demand. You can find more information about the Giving Table here.
The women received a $ 300 gift card from our sponsor Casino Del Sol. They plan to spend it on grocery boxes for those in need. If you have someone you think represents “the heart and soul of Tucson,” please nominate them here.
Copyright 2021 KOLD News 13. All rights reserved.
.
Comments are closed.