By Tom Peterson

Last Saturday, the Hispanic Community Task Force of Forsyth County held their first mask and food give-away event. A broad coalition of groups focused on the Hispanic community, as it deals with COVID-19. The event was held at the Enterprise Center in Waughtown.

The groups helped 250 families, gave away 500 bags with food, more than 1,000 face masks, hand sanitizers, books, education about COVID-19, about the recommendations, about why it is very important to wear the face mask consistently and correctly. The Hispanic/Latinx community accounts for more than 50 percent of the cases in Forsyth County.

They also we gave more info about services available through Novant Health, Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, the Forsyth County Health Department, FaithhealthNC, the Hispanic League, Radio Onda de Amor, Cancer Services, City of Winston Salem, Community Research Partnership, Safe Kids, Forsyth Tech, Iglesia Cristiana Sin Fronteras, and others. Cuervito Morado, a food distributor donated tortillas and K&W donated meals for the participants.

“The response form the community was amazing,” says Enrique Catana . “We care for the community between all these organizations and we want to encourage others to join in future events.”

This idea started with the various organizations convened by the Forsyth Health Department. You can find more community resources in Spanish on the Radio Onda de Amor Facebook Page.

“The need is still there for the entitled community,” says Catana. “The more we come together for others the better we all will be, not just concerning COVID-19 but also other challenges that the Hispanic Community its face every day such as access to health care and food, education, job opportunities, and immigration issues.”