3FN Executive Director Nancy Harris stands next to supplies at the Operation Love event at Los Angeles Southwest College. (Courtesy photo)

Nearly 500 South Los Angeles foster families with young children and college-age youth received free meals, groceries and diapers at an Operation Love event held last week at Los Angeles Southwest College. The event also was opened to local residents who are need of critical supplies. Operation Love is a series of food and diaper distribution events in South Los Angeles.

Operation Love volunteers prepare to load a car with goods at the recent giveaway event. (Courtesy photo)

During the giveaway, families received bags of groceries that were supplied by the Los Angeles Food Bank as well as boxes of diapers that were donated by the Good+Foundation. Virtual school supplies also were handed out to families during the giveaway. Operation Love events are coordinated by Faith Foster Families Network (3FN) to provide life sustaining resources for those impacted by the child welfare system.

“We feel it is crucial that the faith community partners with both public and private sector organizations to support those in need in our community at this difficult time,” said 3FN Executive Director Nancy Harris. “Through our collaborative partnerships, we are able to assist many more than any one of us could do on our own.”

Operation Love volunteer Andy Garcia, a social worker for the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Families Services, displays giveaway items for a TV news cameraman covering the event. (Courtesy photo)

The Operation Love event was sponsored by the Office of Los Angeles County Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas, Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services, Kilroy Realty, and Blue Shield Promise Health.