A 4 year-old boy and 6 year-old girl lost their parents, Carlos Mendoza and Alondra Lopez, in a tragic accident on 75 near Fruitville, on Tuesday morning around 9:30 a.m. The food truck’s tire blew, causing it to overturn several times and catch fire. Clara Mendoza, Carlos’s sister, has stepped in to raise the children, while still processing this grief herself.
JFCS is joining forces with our local food trucks and non-profits to collect toys, clothing, shoes, gift cards, monetary donations, and food for the family.
To make a donation, please select one of the following options:
> Attend the Food Truck Rally at Scavengers Marketplace, Palmetto located at 2100 US 301 North, Palmetto, FL 34221 on Saturday, August 20th, between noon and 4:00 p.m. to drop off toys, clothing, shoes, non-perishable food, and gift cards.
> Donations can be made at jfcs-cares.org/donate. Please select Mendoza Family in the donation box drop-down menu.
> Smokin Momma Lora’s BBQ Mobile is hosting a major Food Truck Rally/Fundraiser for the Mendoza Family on Sunday, August 21st, at Big Top Brewing Company located at 975 Cattlemen Rd. in Sarasota, from noon until 6:00 p.m. All donations go directly to the family and a percentage of sales from each truck goes towards the donation fund. 100% of all wristband sales also go to the family.
Smokin Momma Lora’s BBQ Mobile
Simply Greek by WynnberryTruck SRQ
Mobile Smoothie Cafe w/infused botanicals
Miguel Ulloa will be accompanying JFCS’s Outreach team Karen Pharo, Melanie Hayes, and Carolan Trbovich to make the deliveries to the family in person.
Let’s come together as a community and love on this family, during this difficult time.
If you have questions, please email kpharo@jfcs-cares.org or call or text 941-400-6685.
