Local realtors make a difference

EL CENTRO, Calif. (KYMA, KECY)- Imperial County Association of realtors decided that they would not let COVID stop them from giving back to their community. 

They would usually host events for the organization of their choice but with the threat of COVID that was no longer possible. 

Instead, they decided to host a donation drive collecting items from a wishlist directly from the children of the Betty Jo McNeece Receiving Home.

The house takes care of children removed from unsafe living conditions. 

“They are children that have been displaced whether it's from households or families or parents are in jail or parents are you know going through a season of addiction, abuse I mean just a big span of children who range from newborn babies to 18 year-olds,” said Gabby Olguin Nixon, Public Relations. 

They have also raised over 3 thousand dollars and expect that number to increase. Their goal is to raise 5 thousand. 

“Umm we probably thought it might not have the same response as previous years but it turned out to be more than we expected,” said Maria Neblina, Public Relations. 

The association also says that they were surprised to see that most people that donated had a connection with the McNeece House. 

“I wanted to find out who they were if they were members with our association and I basically asked them for their names and how they found out about us and it was an eye-opener for me to find out they were either part of Betty JoMcneece at one time, worked there or had children that came from there,” said Ruben Gonzales, CEO.

Some of the items on the wishlist are as simple as a pair of sock and others are necessities to live through the pandemic like Clorox wipes.

The association will still be receiving physical and monetary donations throughout the week.

You can give them a call at  760-352-6010.