Reading the final words of Just Ask! by U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, Senator Connie Leyva smiled at the children gathered for CCRC’s Dr. Seuss Read Across America. She read, “Each of us has unique powers to share with the world and make it more interesting and richer. What will you do with your powers?”

The event was hosted Friday at CCRC’s San Bernardino Office and included story time for children, along with the distribution of diapers, formula, wipes, thermometers, gloves, masks, cleaning supplies and books to families and child care providers. The supplies were purchased with a generous donation made by Leyva.

“I had the opportunity to donate $5,000 from the CA Women’s Caucus to the San Bernardino County Child Care Resource Center to purchase diapers and wipes, baby formula and books for our San Bernardino County families who have been especially hard hit during this pandemic,” she said in a Facebook post about the event. “Thank you to James Moses and his team for organizing such a great drive-thru distribution event!”

James Moses, CCRC San Bernardino Regional Director, shared his appreciation for the senator’s ongoing support of local children and families, as well as CCRC programs. “CCRC was blessed to have Senator Connie Leyva provide support for a distribution event for providers and families. We are appreciative of the support from the Senator, as well as her entire team. The Senator’s compassion for families and the issues they face, is evident in her work, whether it is providing supplies and reading to children, or introducing legislation in Sacramento. Thank you, Senator Leyva.”

“Since the pandemic, families and providers have experienced loss of income from either unemployment or having to close their business temporarily,” said CCRC Family Engagement Supervisor Niki VonHundley. “As the world opens back up, families and providers are rebuilding their lives financially, which makes this distribution of essential items to those in need very important.”