Clothings in Newport Beach, CA

Families Forward in Irvine.

Denise Young-Martinez 11:49 am Nov 6 For anyone that is looking to open your hearts to giving to something worthwhile this season, please consider these kids right here in OC. I have met them first hand through the BoysTown facility in Trabuco Canyon and Orangewood foster care in Orange through working with them at Saddleback Church and it is heartbreaking. They are on their own at a young age and need support in many ways (financial, emotional, spiritual). Here is an email I received from someone that facilities the toiletry bags they get each month (toothpaste, deodorant, feminine products, etc.). No pressure at all, just wanted to provide the information in case someone wishes to participate in giving. Denise Denise Young-Martinez From: Leslie Finley <finleyleslie@gmail.com>, Saddleback member Subject: Skillz4 life Dear faithful hearts, Thank you thank you for your faithfulness! With out your prayers, your baking, facilitating, contributions we would not have the impact on our youth that we do. This week when Jeff spoke about "positive and negative thought" you would have thought he was a Rock Star the way the youths listened. He really hit home. We also had a video from an interview by Liz Murray: "From Homeless to Harvard". It was all about attitude. Several youths were struggling with loneliness,(not fitting in) fear (what is in store for my future?). Oh How my heart breaks for them. As they left they wanted to give us a hug. Beautiful! Our last date this year to serve at Orangewood Foster will be Nov 21. Our Toiletry Team would like to make it a special CHRISTMAS in NOVEMBER. So how are we going to do that? With 60 youths we want to provide each with a $20.00 gift card to Walmart. We have been serving OW for the last 3 years and have heard some very difficult truths about what they do for Christmas. One group home went to Sea World. Another was in lock down because emotions run so high this time of year the youths can't be trusted and end up in trouble or running away. Some youths don't have enough money for food because it's the end of the month. To those who have no family, no relatives, no close relationships what is their to celebrate? No one cares. Let us show up in their lives as Jesus, The One Who Cares. $20.00 doesn't seem a lot when it takes $60.00 to fill up my tank, $12.00 to eat lunch, $12.50 per week at Starbucks, and then another $55 at the grocery store on the way home from work. Making a special day for our 60 youth would mean the world to them. We are asking for help in collecting donations or gift cards to Walmart in the amount of $20.00. You can bring the Walmart Cards or donations to my home or mail them 25271 Darlington Mission Viejo 92692. Make checks payable to "Sharon Wackeen". Please share this with your small group or any individuals that have a heart to make a difference in the lives of foster/emancipated youth. "From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded". Luke 12:48 And from Pastor Rick:"Practice service and generosity every day. Happiness comes from putting service before security" Blessings to you all Leslie xxo 949 683-9247 "The choices you make are what makes you".

The Friendly Center in Orange!!!

The McKenna Claire Foundation is based in Huntington Beach and raises money to find pediatric brain cancer research. Pediatric cancers receive less than 4% of all cancer research dollars, so foundations like this one are critical. In the two years since mckennas passing, the foundation has raised over a million dollars to fund groundbreaking research. It is a cause that I am passionate about, but I love reading about all the other great organizations, too.

Orangewood Children’s Foundation, which cares for children removed from their caregivers in cases of abuse and neglect, and provides support programs to help older teens successfully transition from foster care to adulthood.

Thank You for asking!!! I am a member of the CHOC Glass Slipper Guild which support CHOC Hospital, a cause near and dear to all of us mommies! Message me if you would like information on how you can support this Guild!

Shawnee, that's so great of you to teach her the act of giving! Three yrs old might be kind of young to participate in some of the larger charities, but she is surely old enough to put together a cocoa and some cookies in a bag for the mailman/gardner/crossing guard/ whoever! Or bring toys to hand the fire station for Sparks of Love, or dog/cat treats/toys to the local animal shelter. My kids are a little older, but we are going to do the "harvesting" at Second Harvest in Irvine, and this will be the first year we also participate in the Holiday Program Giveaway day with One Voice in LA (NO age restrictions for the volunteers! http://onevoice-la.org/volunteer/ ). Anyway, so sorry for the hijack on the thread, but I know it is so hard to find local service ideas for kids, yet it is so important!

NEGU.org, helping kids with cancer with a bit of joy

Junior League of OC- benefits a variety of entities AND provides volunteer woman power! http://www.jlocc.org/?nd=community_impact

Shriners Children's Hospital of LA. Amazing hospital that helps kids regardless of family's ability to pay.