Essentials for Young Lives

Donation Drive 2013, April 12th - May 12th
All donations can be dropped off anytime at any of our locations in Orange County. Find a Y location here.

Donations Needed:
• Diapers • Baby Wipes • Baby Food • Baby Hygiene Products

View/download flyer here

MAKING A DIFFERENCE
Mothers and children are the fastest-growing segment of the homeless population. The Y, as the largest nonprofit dedicated to youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility, has the opportunity and capacity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of homeless infants and toddlers.

The Y is privileged and honored to join forces with HomeAid and the Children and Families Commission of Orange County to raise essentials and awareness to support homeless families as they rebuild their lives.

RAISING ESSENTIALS & AWARENESS
From April 12th - May 12th, over 50 YMCA of Orange County locations will be collecting items to support the 6th Annual Essentials for Young Lives Drive:

In 2012, the Y and many other organizations worked together to raise 1/2 million baby items for homeless mothers and children. The county-wide goals this year is 1.2 million. Together, we can beat this goal!

Drop off your donation at any YMCA in Orange County (find a Y location here)

SERVICE LEARNING
In addition to collecting items to support the Essentials Drive, several Y programs will also be raising awareness around the problem of homelessness by engaging youth and families in a service learning project. Service learning offers both youth and adults the opportunity to learn about, take action, and make a difference in their communities. Service learning supports our commitment to core values and character development and is an integral part of many Y programs such as Afterschool Care, Education & Leadership, and Adventure Guides programs. For information and resources to implement the service project, visit ymcaoc.org/essentials

About HomeAid Orange County 6th Annual Essentials for Young Lives Drive
HomeAid Orange County is the founding chapter of a national non-profit organization with the mission to support homeless families and individuals as they rebuild their lives. Established in 1989, HomeAid is the only community based organization building and renovating housing across the entire homeless continuum of care-emergency shelters, transitional housing, and permanent supportive housing. The Essentials Drive is a community collaboration to collect much needed items for homeless infants and toddlers. This is the fourth year the Y has participated in this important effort, helping HomeAid fulfill its mission by providing additional points of outreach in the community for collecting donations for the drive and raising awareness to support the growing problem of homelessness in Orange County. The Essentials Drive embodies the Y's cause, strengthening communities through opportunities for youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.

HOME AID ESSENTIALS - Learn more or follow them at:
homeaidessentials.org
facebook.com/homeaidoc
#HOMEAIDOC

facebook.com/homeaidoc HOME AID ESSENTIALS homeaidessentials.org HOMEAID ORANGE COUNTY homeaidoc.org

Here are some great ideas that have been shared so far:

Thank you to everyone for supporting the Annual Essentials Drive - we have only a few weeks to go to support this important cause! Remember to use the Membership Drawing Opportunity at Healthy Kids Day to increase donations and encourage attendees to bring a donation of baby care items. Here are some great ideas...

1) Quinn and the Arroyo Vista Afterschool Center created a display with cut-outs of donations needed so families are aware of the effort & could take one as a reminder.

2) Christy and the Peterson Afterschool Center will be holding a baby shower with the kids and families to collect items for the drive.

3) Last year, one site had staff wear pacifiers, which prompted inquiries from parents and provided an opportunity for staff to explain the drive and how parents can help.

4) Discuss the drive with the children and have them do a craft to support the project. Last year, children cut coupons for diapers and included them in a related art project they could share with parents.

5) Post images of people donating or creative ideas to the Essentials Drive instagram #HOMEAIDOC