Our Community Steps Up For The Kids
This week officially marks one month of the Safer at Home mandate from leadership in Orange County. We started this journey not knowing how serious the threat was to all our well-being, or for how long we’d have to adjust our daily lives. For most of us, we were setting up our video conference calls for the first time or putting together a plan for our kids to participate with their peers in online distance learning. We were also looking out to the world to see where we could help. That is what we are most proud of when it comes to being part of this community.
It’s with your generosity that, in addition to meeting the needs of our current students, PHA has expanded our reach and launched a mobile pantry to serve the rapidly increasing and unique needs of our community. We partnered with local community groups to bring the mobile pantry to families and children residing in motels across Orange County. With the help of The Ecology Center and faith-based groups-St. Andrew’s Presbyterian and Mariners Church, we delivered food, Chromebooks and Wi-Fi to families living in motels. These items are the basic needs to help families stay safe and allow for school-age children to participate in online distance learning, even if it is from a car, a motel or a shelter.
When we said we are all in this together, we meant it. IKEA Costa Mesa donated Easter baskets and coloring books for the children and families. Igloo donated reusable biodegradable coolers to store the fresh produce delivered. United Way OC provided books to distribute. The motel staff opened up their break room for the day and volunteers gave their time to come alongside our most vulnerable families.
Corporate supporters such as Wells Fargo, Sempra Energy, Edwards Lifesciences, and Project Dignity provided the additional funds needed to purchase Chromebook and Wi-Fi hotspots. Our community dropped off extra groceries, cleaning supplies and masks. So many people made individual financial donations. You all have been part of this project in some capacity.
The generosity didn’t end with these supporters, but in the same families we served that morning. We saw families generously giving back what they didn’t need or couldn’t use to allow for others to have more.
We continue to be in awe of our community. You all have made this movement possible. When we all had to stay home, you found the most creative and essential ways to show up (albeit virtually, with protective gear and/or 6 feet apart) for our kids who don’t have a home. Thank you.
To help us in our efforts to reach as many families in need, please text Hope to 411-411.
Donate, share and keep healthy, friends!
#forthekids
