Bakersfield Life

Extra helping of kindness

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Times are tough for many in our community, and they feel the strain most around the holidays. That’s where this month’s trio comes in. Whether it’s helping provide meals or collecting donations of clothes, toys or funds, these dedicated men are known for aiding the less fortunate.Major Daniel Abella, Corps officer, Salvation ArmyLouis GillExecutive director, Bakersfield Homeless CenterLuis AguilarOwner, El Pueblo RestaurantHow long have you been helping out during the holidays? Daniel: I’ve been serving others for over 24 years as a Salvation Army officer. The need is great here in Bakersfield, just as it is in Hawaii, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Denver and San Francisco. Louis: I have been working for Bethany Services for the past decade. We operate two emergency shelters. One is for homeless families (Bakersfield Homeless Center) and the other is for victims of domestic violence (Alliance Against Family Violence & Sexual Assault). Prior to that, I volunteered in another city with an organization that assisted low-income families.Luis: 18 years.How do you help those in need during the holidays? Daniel: We help others by providing food baskets and toys, Thanksgiving meals, and allowing those in need to volunteer their services. By volunteering, that teaches others who are in need, learn to give back to the community. The Salvation Army has been meeting the needs of the people in Bakersfield since 1890.Louis: The holidays can be especially trying for families at our two facilities. Our clients don’t have their own kitchen to prepare a traditional meal. They don’t even have the privacy to gather around a table as a family to give thanks. Each year, the staff and community partners work very hard to help these families experience the kindness and joy of the holidays by providing holiday meals and gifts for the children.  Luis: Serving a hot holiday meal to anyone in need at my restaurant El Pueblo.How have holiday-time needs changed since you’ve been helping out? Daniel: There are more people needing help and assistance, especially in this economy. We can only help with what resources we are given. Louis: It is truly humbling to see the number of people that are coming in for help. The number of people that need help just to cover the basics has grown substantially.Luis: The need is greater than ever with the economy in such poor shape.How can members of the community help? Daniel: We need volunteers to ring the bells at our store locations, donate lots of canned food, and new toys to help us in our Christmas effort to help all families. Even after Christmas we continue to serve others year-round and we need the community’s help and support. Louis: We need help with all the basics for a traditional holiday meal. For some reason, we are always a little short on ham. Our families will also need assistance at Christmas to make sure there is something under the tree for their children. The ongoing challenge is that year-round there are over 200 people in the two shelters; more than 100 of the clients are children. Luis: Donations of clothes, blankets, gloves, hats and toys.Why is it important to give back to the community? Daniel: I believe God calls us to love our neighbors by our actions. When we give back to our community and serve others, we receive a greater blessing! Giving back to our community teaches us to be thankful for what we have. Louis: We have a greater obligation to one another. Every one of us has needed a hand at one time or another. It is not possible for a parent to think about tomorrow if they don’t know how they will feed their children today.Luis: Anyone of us can be down on our luck and need a helping hand.Describe your best Thanksgiving/holiday memory.  Daniel: Nineteen years ago, the day before Thanksgiving, my wife found she was expecting quadruplets! We have much to be thankful for to this day.Louis: I was about 6 years old and we were at my grandparents’ house for Thanksgiving. I remember quietly listening to my grandfather tell stories about being a cattleman. My father and uncle would add facts/memories as the stories progressed. I remember being amazed at the adventures and the pride I felt at being a part of my family.Luis: On Christmas, seeing the children so surprised to get a gift from us knowing this is the only gift they will receive.What are you giving thanks for this year? Daniel: I give all thanks to my heavenly Father who has blessed me and my family. Even through the harvest and the storms, He cares for us!Louis: My brother, Justin, just eloped with an amazing woman. We are very fortunate that Allison is now a part of our family.Luis: That my family and I are blessed and able to help someone in need, hoping to add sunshine to a cloudy day.