Organizations reach out to help Gaston's Hispanic community with food, vaccines

Wednesday's heavy rain did not stop people from getting free COVID vaccinations and fresh food boxes from various health organizations outside the WoW Supermarket in west Gastonia.

"This is our first event in Gaston County, so it is important for us to get to know the community and help out in any way we can," said Janae Letterman, community health worker at Carolina Complete Health, one of the organizers of the event.

The organization helped WoW Supermarket give out more than 90 boxes filled with chicken, carrots, potatoes and other items to families in need whether they received a COVID vaccine or not.

"We gathered data to see which communities were low on vaccinations and Gaston County appeared on our top 10 with more than 30,000 people unvaccinated," Letterman said.

WoW Supermarket, located at 2557 W. Franklin Blvd., caters to Hispanic customers, one of the fastest growing communities in Gaston County.

In 2010, Gaston's Hispanic population stood at 12,204. Since then, it has increased 64.4%, meaning that 20,068 people who identify as Hispanic now live in Gaston County, according to the 2020 census.

Many of those attending Wednesday's event were Spanish-speaking, and they were able to take advantage of several bilingual workers to help them understand the resources available to them.

"We have to be realistic of what we are going through, a pandemic. Vaccinations are a necessity because it protects us," said Gastonia resident Feliciana Rayo in Spanish. 

Rayo obtained not only a food box, but her COVID booster vaccine.

Rayo migrated from Guerrero, Mexico, 20 years ago, to be with her family and said events like this are important for those who aren't able to speak English.

"I came and I was greeted in my language and that makes you feel welcomed," Rayo said.

Carolina Complete Health reached out to Gastonia Police Officer Alvaro Jaimes to connect the organization with the Hispanic community.

"He has been a lot of help. He did a lot of the marketing for the event and has helped us distribute food and translate for those who do not speak English," said Letterman.

Other organizations such as Wellcare North Carolina — another healthcare organization — and Phoenix Counseling Group, also attended the event to promote their services.

"It is important for us to track the impact we are making toward the community. This is just the beginning of many other events in the works," said Letterman.

Beatriz Guerrero can be reached at 704-869-1828 or on Twitter@BeatrizGue_.