Love's gives back to children in need

Love's Travel Stop in Tehachapi is making a lot of changes and helping kids in need along the way.

As part of Love's national campaign, the Tehachapi branch is working in partnership with Children's Miracle Network Hospitals during August and September. CMNH, a nonprofit organization, has been raising funds and awareness for kids with illness and injuries since 1983.

According to the Love's website, "Love's and its customers have raised more than $25 million to help sick and injured children in the communities where Love's operates stores."

Through Sept. 30, you can support their efforts at Love's by buying a Miracle Balloon for $1, $5 or $20. You can also take part in activities and events at our local Love's, like face painting, a bake sale and barbecue on Sept. 8, 22 and 30. The best part of all? One hundred percent of the profit from these activities go toward CMNH.

Jaime Diaz, the local Love's general manager, and Daniel Diamond, the Love's restaurant manager, both have worked with CMNH for about five years and have personal connections to the services and support the nonprofit provides. Diamond's son Toby was born premature and Diaz witnessed his little sister Linda's assistance from the program as she battled with asthma as a child.

"It is very fulfilling to be a part of such a great fundraising organization that helps the community no matter race, culture or income in a time of need," Diaz said.

Diaz became the new general manager at the Tehachapi Love's location about seven months ago. He has lots of changes in mind to build a stronger relationship between the business and the community.

"We want to bring a positive image and higher involvement with Tehachapi," Diaz said.

Love's is already a Tehachapi High School sports program donor and recently joined the Chamber of Commerce.

"[We are] looking forward to joining the events with the chamber and being involved in community events," he said. "The changes [to Love's] are inspired to build a better involvement with the community."

On top of improvements with community relations, Love's is working on a remodel with the site's landscaping, "to bring a newer and fresh image" to the Love's facility here in Tehachapi.

Stop at Love's Sept. 8, 22 and 30 for a bit of community fun and to help CMNH.

Do you know an inspirational group, individual or program that should be featured in an upcoming Grassroots Tehachapi? Email me at [email protected].

See you next time and be kind to one another!