Spreading cheer beyond the fields

Líderes Campesinas North Kern Committee held a Mexican-themed Christmas event, "Posada," to honor local farmworker families. There were toys for the children, food boxes, gift cards, raffle items, clothing, desserts, tacos, music and drinks to enjoy.

"We held this celebration to show our gratitude for their hard work this year," Paola Medina, the committee representative, said. "We were not only here to spread holiday cheer but also to raise awareness around the work we carry out to empower the farm working community we represent."

Líderes Campesinas is an organization for farm-working women led by farm-working women. "We make information available to them about domestic violence, sexual assault and labor rights."

"Our mission is to strengthen leadership among farm working women so that together we can be the bridge that achieves our social, economic and political changes and ensures our human rights."

Alejandra Diaz attended the Posada with her family. "I think it was a great opportunity to bring happiness to those of us who work in the fields as farm workers," she said.

Jocelyn Lopez, a single mother of two young children, was grateful. "Tonight, I'm taking home a box of food and toys for my boys. It's nice that they do this for us."

City of Wasco Mayor Pro Tem Alex Garcia supported the event. "I was honored when Líderes Campesinas North Kern Committee reached out to help organize this event for farmworker families in Wasco."

"Being a rural community comprised of farm-working families, it's important that whenever we can give back to those with less, we do so. This year's economy could have been better. Even in this post-pandemic era, many local households struggle today."

Yesenia Acosta, outreach worker for Líderes Campesinas, said, "We have experienced a fifty percent reduction in production this year, which has resulted in many farmworkers losing their jobs. Today, we gave out $25 gift cards to Walmart, hoping that they could at least use that money for food. This was our first time, but we hope to make it an annual event."

Assemblywoman Dr. Jasmeet Bains also sponsored the event.

"I was proud to help sponsor with Líderes Campesinas. As a family doctor actively providing healthcare servicing the communities of Delano, McFarland, Wasco, Earlimart and into Tulare County, I have been a strong supporter of our farm workers."