TWENTY NINE PALMS – The Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians recently donated more than 1,500 pounds of food to Martha’s Village and Kitchen and The Little Church of the Desert in Twentynine Palms. The Tribe recently declared a reservation-wide State of Emergency in response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19).  It temporarily closed both the Spotlight 29 and the Tortoise Rock Casinos so perishable food that had been purchased for the casino guests and staff that would have gone to waste if not donated to the organizations.

The food donation, valued at more than $15,000, consisted of a mix of perishable items and non-perishable items such as canned goods. More than twenty team members assisted with the donation project including casino employees and company executives. Darrell Mike, Chairman of the Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians personally went on the donation trips to oversee and assist the operation.

“During these difficult and uncertain times, we are honored to know that we can assist the community with the most fundamental resources such as food,” said Chairman Darrell Mike.  “No one should go hungry, and no one should wonder how or when they can get their next meal. We are proud of our relationship with both Martha’s Village as well as the Little Church of the Desert and the work they do to serve the community every day. We are committed to continuing our relationship with these outstanding organizations.”

“We were so touched by this act of generosity,” said Linda Barrack, CEO at Martha’s Village and Kitchen. “As one of the largest providers of homeless services in the Coachella Valley and Riverside County, our organization faces many challenges, especially during this pandemic. This amazing gift of food will help us continue to provide essential services to impoverished and homeless families.”

This food donation continues philanthropic programs already in place with the Tribe. Last year, the Tribe donated more than $1.5 million across multiple charities with a priority on local organizations with donations to the local branch of the USO and the Boys and Girls Club of Coachella Valley to name a few.

 

Photos courtesy of Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians