Longo Lexus has proudly served the El Monte community since its inception in 1990. Every year since then, we’ve earned the #1 Lexus Retailer in the Western U.S., and since 1992, we’ve been named an Elite of Lexus dealership, the most prestigious honor awarded to dealers for delivering excellence in sales, service, guest experience, and client satisfaction. Hard work and focus on our customers contributed to these accolades. However, we know we owe our success to the community we serve. We value your trust in us to take care of you at the time of sale and throughout your Lexus ownership experience.
As a result, we continuously search for ways to contribute and give back to our community. Our partnerships with various community organizations and charities continue to provide needed resources for families in crisis, whether they need medical attention, food, or funding.
El Monte Emergency Resources Association
One significant relationship we’ve established close to home is with the El Monte Emergency Resources Association. This organization, also known as the Red Cross of El Monte, provides much-needed food, clothing, furniture, appliances, counseling, and more to individuals and families struggling to make ends meet.
The El Monte Emergency Resources Association began over 60 years ago to support needy residents. Today, Lillian Rey heads the organization, providing leadership and direction that helps thousands of people every year in various ways. El Monte has struggled, having been hit hard over the last few years by the pandemic. Workers have lost their jobs, and families have doubled or tripled up in cramped apartments. Many unemployed men have gotten into trouble as a result and been deported, leaving a wife and children born here behind. These people come to Lillian for aid.
Her case management approach helps her understand the people and families she serves. So, when she drops off a food box, she also notes other needs. For example, a family might sleep on a mattress without a bed or have no dining room table to eat at. With this knowledge, she can immediately send donated furniture to someone who needs it. In other cases, she might find a family without money to buy toys for their children on their birthday or at Christmas. As a result, when toys are donated, she knows exactly where to send them.
Sometimes, people come to her needing a place to stay or help with a medical issue. In these cases, even though she doesn’t run a medical clinic or a homeless shelter, she has connections with them. The bottom line is that when you go to Lillian for help, she gives you the support you need or finds someone who can assist.
Support El Monte Emergency Resources Association Today
Lillian Rey runs the non-profit organization on donations from individuals and businesses in the area. Longo Lexus proudly assists her efforts, donating money and time. However, many people in jeopardy of hunger, homelessness, and medical support demand more help from others. If you’re interested in donating time, money, or resources, call 626-444-7269 and do your part. We’ve listed some essential needs below, but anything you can provide would help.
Bedding and Linens Donations
Some families might not have sheets for their beds or even a mattress for their linens. So, rather than dispose of your old mattress or bedding, donate them to the El Monte Emergency Resources Association.
Clothing Donations
Any gently used clothing helps others who may not have enough. Children often outgrow their clothes long before they wear out, making them ideal donations. In addition, any dresses, suits, or professional attire can help others dress appropriately for job interviews and work.
Formula, Baby Food, and Diaper Donations
Formula and baby food cost more than regular groceries yet are vital to the healthy development of babies. Perhaps you’ve moved on from diapers and have a box or two left you can donate. Maybe you have some baby food and formula left over. Or, perhaps, you’re in the grocery store picking some up as a random act of kindness. In any case, El Monte infants benefit significantly from these donated items.
Food Donations
Recent statistics show that 42 million Americans are food insecure, including 13 million children. Donating food to the El Monte Emergency Resources Association puts it directly into the hands of people that need it most. Canned and dry goods make excellent donations, but don’t be afraid to bring groceries, such as milk, cheese, and bread.
Personal Grooming Supplies Donations
Supplies such as soap, deodorant, and shampoo, get expensive, and struggling families often go without these items. Toothpaste, toothbrushes, and floss also become unaffordable, so donating personal grooming supplies can help those less fortunate experience good personal hygiene.
Furniture Donations
Having a crib to lay your infant in every night is only a dream for some young parents. However, your old crib can make someone’s dream a reality. Likewise, your old box spring, mattress, or bed frame can do the same. Other furniture items people need include couches, tables, and chairs. Lillian can put all sturdy, gently used furniture to good use and help someone complete furnishing their home.
Appliance Donations
In her home visits, Lillian often finds families without a working refrigerator, stove, or dishwasher. If you’re fortunate enough to remodel your kitchen, you can donate your old appliances and help families. However, your donations don’t have to be major appliances. Toasters, coffee makers, and blenders can make life easier for needy families.
Toy Donations
Donating toys to El Monte Emergency Resources Association guarantees children will smile on their birthdays and celebrate holidays joyfully. As your children grow out of their gently used toys, consider donating them. It costs you nothing but means the world to children in need.
Longo Lexus wants the El Monte community to thrive and support one another in every way. We hope this article was informative and perhaps even moved you to act. If you’re interested in learning more about our community involvement, we invite you to check out our blog.
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