Center provides basic needs to help Utahns with their Dreams

SALT LAKE CITY — A line of cars stretched around the block before turning into the driveway near the Utah Dream Center, heading to the checkpoint where child car safety seats were being inspected to see if they were properly installed. Not far away stood the remnants of a vehicle involved in a near-fatal car crash, its driver alive only because he'd buckled up. And in the center of the parking lot, a line of tables practically sagged with used clothing. Big boxes contained donated food — breads and vegetables and nonperishable items.

But the thing that drew the eye was the long line of parents and preschool-age children waiting patiently for their chance to select the items they desperately need.

"Meet the Need 2010," held Tuesday at the center, 1624 S. 1000 West, was a collaborative project of the Rev. Alfred Murillo, who operates the Utah Dream Center, Safe Kids Salt Lake County, the Salt Lake Valley Health Department, Utah Department of Public Safety, Real Salt Lake, the Utah Highway Patrol, Zero Fatalities, Utah Safety Council and others.

It started as a car seat safety check to help the neighborhood, said Kevin Condon, SLVHD's injury program manager. But because of the economic needs in the area, it grew to be more of a safety and health fair, complete with food and a play area for kids.

Murillo knows well the needs in his Glendale-area neighborhood. Every Tuesday, the Utah Dream Center's open to take in donations of clothing and food from the community. And it goes out to needy folks almost as fast as it comes in. "We help 100 families a week," he said.

Viviana Garcia was there with her mom to get clothing for her little sister, who is 4 years old. The girl's preschool teacher recommended the center for clothing, and they just happened to show up during Tuesday's event.

Esmeralda and Cesar Torres have been there before, for food help. On Tuesday, they were interested in the car-seats portion of the event. The Torreses have five kids, including Dania, 2, and Isauro, 11 months, who they held as they waited patiently for the event to begin.

Jennifer and John Kernes and his mother, Suzy Kernes, said they stop in about once a month for food and clothing. They first heard about the center from the Head Start and Community Action Program. They live in West Valley City.