The Hearts of Fire Project gave Maria and her son an RV! Maria is a caregiver who has been staying at client homes trading her services for rent. Like many low income people, she doesn’t earn enough to move out and get her own place. She and her 12 year-old son have health issues which make it even more difficult for them to live without their own place.

Maria is very fortunate to have a wonderful friend, Victoria. Victoria found out about the RV Makeover Project from the Casa Esperanza shelter in Santa Barbara where she volunteers. Victoria contacted me and told me about Maria. I subsequently had a great meeting with her and later, with Maria.

Maria and her son are very excited and can’t wait to see the RV. Theaward ceremony took place on January 30 at 1 PM at Regalo Virgin Olive Oil in Ojai. Regalo has been a big supporter of the Hearts Of Fire Project.

Hearts of Fire invited the media and all of their friends to this event with the intention to attract more RV donations and volunteers to help fix up more RVs in the future.

For more in-depth coverage CLICK HERE.

Photos by: Joseph Garcia, Ventura County Star

Photo of RV: Bob Ballard, left, shows Maria Pollack and son Mikey Ocampo, third from left, to their motor home. At right is Victoria Stratton and son Connor.

Main Photo: Hearts of Fire volunteer Betsy Bryan, left, is hugged by Maria Pollack after she and her son were awarded a motor home on Saturday. “Oh man, I wish I could hug all the people that helped me that aren’t here today.”