Essentials for Young Lives Drive

To honor and celebrate Mother’s Day, HomeAid Orange County, in partnership with the Children and Families Commission of Orange County, is leading a community-wide effort to collect “essential” baby items for homeless mothers and their children. HomeAid Orange County’s first “Essentials for Young Lives Drive” will be held April 28 to May 1, 2008 and will benefit 15 Orange County non-profit organizations that serve homeless families and children.

Companies, organizations and individuals throughout the county are encouraged to participate by designating a collection site in your office and then asking colleagues to donate diapers (size newborn to toddler), baby wipes, baby food, formula, bottles, and other general baby products. HomeAid will pick-up donations at your collection site on Friday, May 2, or they can be dropped off at HomeAid Orange County at 17744 Sky Park Circle, Suite 170 in Irvine, 92614 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.

An alternative way to participate in the first annual drive is by making donations on HomeAid’s gift registry at www.babiesrus.com. Access the registry by last name using ‘homeaid’ and make your selections from the listed items.

For more information on conducting an “Essentials for Young Lives Drive” in your company or organization, contact Carolyn Baker at 949-553-9510 ext. 224 or email at Carolyn@homeaidoc.org.

“The Essentials for Young Lives Drive is a coordinated effort to provide for those in need living at shelters throughout the county,” states Theresa Murphy, Executive Director of Precious Life Shelter. “The items donated to Precious Life allow us to keep our babies provided for throughout their time at the shelter. Donated essentials from this drive will allow our shelter to save the funds we would normally spend on those items for the infants in our care and use those funds for educational toys and materials for the children. Our mission to provide a safe and loving environment for the homeless pregnant woman is fulfilled when a baby is born. Now the work begins as we try and help these women parent their infants, which includes all the regular daily activities of changing diapers, feeding and learning how to handle a newborn. Our gratitude to HomeAid Orange County for partnering with the community to make a concrete difference in the lives of those we serve.”

“The needs of babies can’t wait. They need to be addressed immediately,” explains Margie Wakeham, Executive Director of Families Forward. “These donations are essential for young lives and can ease the anxiety of the parents as they work to get their lives together. These contributions are so important to help bridge a mom and baby to self-sufficiency. We extend our thanks to HomeAid Orange County!”

Donated items for the “Essentials for Young Lives Drive” will be distributed to the following HomeAid service provider partners that assist families and children: Anaheim Interfaith Shelter; Casa Teresa; Families Forward; Fullerton Interfaith Emergency Service; H.I.S. House; Human Options; Interval House; Isaiah House – Catholic Worker; Laura’s House; Mary’s Shelter; Mercy House; Orange County Rescue Mission; Precious Life Shelter; Shelter for the Homeless; and Women’s Transitional Living Center. All donations are tax deductable.

Annually, in Orange County more than 35,000 people experience homelessness. Many are working families living in motels and homeless shelters. Of this number, mothers and children are the fastest growing segment of the homeless population. Through the concerted efforts of the Essentials for Young Lives drive, the community can help HomeAid and the Children and Families Commission of Orange County in providing essentials for those who need it most.

About HomeAid Orange County

HomeAid Orange County is the founding chapter of a national non-profit organization with the mission to build dignified housing where homeless families and individuals can rebuild their lives. Founded in 1989 by the Orange County Chapter of the Building Industry Association of Southern California, HomeAid acts as the housing developer and liaison between services providers, community volunteers, builders and specialty contractors. To date the organization has completed 40 developments that serve victims of domestic violence, pregnant homeless women, abused and abandoned children, homeless adults living with HIV/AIDS and homeless families. www.homeaidoc.org

About Children and Families Commission of Orange County

The Children and Families Commission of Orange County allocates funds from Proposition 10 that adds a 50-cent tax on tobacco products sold in California for education, health and child development programs for children from the prenatal stage to 5-years and their families. Programs supported include shelter projects and services for children and families because “children learn better when they have a home.” For additional information visit: www.occhildrenandfamilies.com.