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Orange County Rescue Mission has announced an urgent need for basic hygiene and food items for residents at its transitional living facilities. The organization is requesting help from the local community to donate these essentials ahead of its annual Christmas in July event, which serves to provide resident families with a celebration and a reminder to the community that donations are needed year-round, not just during the holiday season.
Contributions will help the non-profit replenish its on-hand supply of necessities for formerly unhoused adults, veterans, at-risk youth, and families with children throughout the organization’s transitional living facilities. The Rescue Mission will also utilize donated items to create care packages for unsheltered individuals throughout Orange County, where 5,718 people are experiencing homelessness, according to the county’s Point in Time report.
“We are continuing to see a significant shortage amongst our residents and those in need throughout the county for food and everyday items such as soap, toothpaste, and dry goods,” says Jim Palmer, President of Orange County Rescue Mission. “By keeping our supply well stocked, we can meet these needs and provide a sense of security for everyone, especially the families with children residing at Village of Hope.”
Over the last several months, many American households have been affected by a nationwide baby formula shortage. In fact, more than 20% of all formula items have been out of stock for the past six weeks. However, Palmer notes that the Rescue Mission has been very fortunate not to be impacted by the shortage, in large part thanks to the community’s ongoing assistance.
With aid from local individuals, families, and organizations, the Rescue Mission was also able to provide more than3,305,458 units of service to on-site residents last year, including medical and mental health services, clothing items, meals, and toys for children. In addition to these service units, the non-profit also made over 4,800 food boxes available to families struggling with food insecurity.
“Without the incredible support of the community, we would not be able to provide these meals and daily essentials, and meaningfully change the lives of homeless individuals and struggling families,” Palmer notes. “We are so appreciative of this continued support and the way our community comes together to help alleviate a critical need and preserve the dignity of Village of Hope families.”
The Rescue Mission requests donations of the following items to help sustain it through the rest of the year:
Food:
- Canned Tuna or Meat
- Canned Fruits or Vegetables
- Peanut Butter
- Dry Goods (Cereal, Pasta, Rice, Granola Bars, etc.)
- Tomato Sauce
Hygiene Items:
- Soap Bars
- Shampoo and Conditioner bottles
- Toothpaste
- Razors and Shaving Cream
- Feminine Hygiene Products
- Toilet Paper
Community members who are able to donate are asked to contribute any amount of the above items by this Friday, July 29th.
Donations may be dropped off at Orange County Rescue Mission’s Village of Hope, located at 1 Hope Drive, Tustin, California, 92782. Items can also be purchased online and delivered to the Village of Hope address. For more information, please visit https://www.rescuemission.org/urgent-food/.
The donation warehouse is open between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Sunday.
