In an effort to help those in need, Riverbank Vice Mayor Luis Uribe and Thelma Louise Gibson along with other community members, distributed backpacks filled with essential items this past Monday. During the early morning hours the 15 backpacks were distributed at the Community Center to the homeless.

“Within three days we had all wanted items secured,” stated Uribe. “This community really came together to help those that really need it the most especially this close to the holidays.”

The call went out to the community that there was a need to fill 15 backpacks and the community answered the call.

“The day after Thanksgiving we put the call out on social media and had a quick response,” expressed Uribe. “I was actually shocked. When I followed up with Thelma she started to get emotional because we could not believe how many wanted to help out.”

The backpacks were filled with items such as socks, beanies, washcloths, toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, mini hand sanitizer, combs, reusable masks, reusable water bottles, and some Christmas candy.

Uribe was immensely thankful for the people that answered the call including Lise Talbott, Channce Condit, Buck Condit, Kimber-Lee De Kleer Haverdink, Supervisor Kristin Olsen, Dane Michaels, and Pastor Charles.

“All (the) homeless were beyond grateful and blessed throughout the event,” noted Uribe.

The Vice Mayor plans on continuing the efforts to help the homeless and has discussed doing another similar giveaway during the 2021 Point in Time count.