Community Honors Imperial Beach Man Who Found Dead Infant

20 percent of the money raised went directly to helping Sherman's living costs and medical expenses.

The Imperial Beach community honored the homeless man who found missing Long Beach newborn Eliza Delacruz.

Dozens of businesses and community members came out to show their thanks and support for Harold Sherman, who found the infant dead in a dumpster along his canning route behind the Silver Strand Shopping Center on Palm Avenue in December.

Sherman, who has spent much of his life on the streets battling a drug addiction and mental illness, is a hero to some, but those who know him say it's just the kind of thing Sherman does.

"Everyone sees him as a canner or maybe a homeless, but you know inside his heart, he is like an angel," said one of the supporters out at Veteran's park Saturday.

Sherman said when he came across Eliza's body, he just couldn't standby. He said the dumpster he found her in was no place for a baby.

"How could someone do that? How could anyone do something like that?" Sherman said. "That baby didn't do anything to deserve any of that or to be where she was."

He still cannot believe the person responsible is still at large.

"I hope for justice for her," he said.

While the investigation into baby Eliza's tragic death continues, supporters at Veteran's Park were focused on the good that came from it all.

Part of the proceeds raised from sales during Saturday's event will directly to Sherman and his wife to pay for medical bills and living costs.

Sherman said he is impressed by the love he's received from his community, but says he's no hero.

"All I did was something we all should be doing - the right thing."

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