Food Pantry7 Whatney, Suite B,Irvine, Ca 92618(949) 380-8144www.sco-oc.org

Email: sco@sco-oc.org

Food PantryHours

Monday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday9 am - 3:30 pm

and Tuesday 12:30 - 3:30 pm

Computer Learning Lab/

Cox Tech Center(949) 380-8144 ext. 212

Upscale Resale Thrift Store

23502 Ridge Route #GLaguna Hills, Ca 92653

(949) 855-4158

HoursMonday - Friday11 am - 5 pm

Saturday10 am - 4 pm

Donation Drop-Offs

Monday - Friday11 am - 3 pm

Vehicle Donations1 (800) 320-0476

Alicja is a mother of two young children who fl ed her home after enduring domestic violence. They were living with her husband and his family and the situation “was very, very bad, just very intense” so she left the house with nothing. After staying several weeks with a friend, she found a room to rent. In the meantime, she was in contact with her mother who came to visit and care for the children while she looked for work. After six more months, her mother needed to return home and her lease was not renewed. Alicja was employed, but homeless.“I felt hopeless,” she says. She was trying to make it on her own, but it was a struggle.“So many sleepless nights without a stable home,” she admits.When she was accepted in the South County Outreach Transitional Housing Program and able to move into a condo with her children, “it was the happiest day of my life.” She was able to think about the future instead of just surviving day to day.She is currently pursuing an AA degree in accounting and wishes to continue her education with the ultimate goal of becoming a CPA. South County Outreach has provided her with peace of mind. “It’s a lot of comfort having a home of my own,” she said. The agency’s housing support enables Alicja to work 20 hours a week while continuing her education. “I can do something better with my life,” she says.A Change A Life grant is assisting her with schooling costs and she participates in fi nancial counseling, group sessions and one-on-one counseling with her South County Outreach case manager.Alicja and her young children are working toward fi nancial stability while living in a safe environment and she will be able to graduate from the program with some savings and the means to live independently.

Holiday 2015

A safe home makes all the differencefor a mother and her children

Marcia Langstaff, In-kind donation coordinator

Started at South County Outreach: October 2014

Lives in: Lake Forest

Favorite place: Camping in the mountains

Meaningful quote:

“Never look back; keep moving forward.”

How did you get involved with South County Outreach?I volunteered at the backpack event and I asked if they needed help. I came in and I started sorting the toys from the toy drive. I have retail experience managing a Children’s Orchard for many years and that comes in handy. I also have a Mrs. Claus suit and I wore that at the toy store last year – it was fun!

How do our holiday programs make a difference in people’s lives?If we didn’t have our programs there would be no place for many of these people to turn. Their plates would be empty and there would be no presents for the children. Can you imagine if Santa didn’t come? The kids wouldn’t have anything for show-and-tell at school.

You volunteer four or fi ve days a week here – what keeps you coming back?Seeing the smiles on the clients’ faces. I love to see them just light up. I get to know the people who come into the pantry and like to help them - I will remember that they like certain things. I just love it here; there are good people and the need is great.

What made you interested in volunteering initially?I’ve been involved in PTA for many years and I worked with Project Cuddle. I just love to volunteer and to give back. I am blessed to be able to do this. My mother always taught us to help each person in need. I love being with people – it’s in my blood. I like to stay involved in the community.

Holiday Adopt-A-Family program – Local families facing hard times are “adopted” by individuals, families, groups or organizations that provide gifts for the children and ingredients for holiday meals. The sponsors get the opportunity to meet the families they adopt. Adopt-A-Family sponsor signup deadline: Dec. 4.

Annual toy drive – The food pantry is transformed into a toy store and parents can choose from a variety of donated new toys for their children. These toys may be the only things these children receive for the holidays. Toy donation deadline: Dec. 18.

Holiday food drives – Local businesses, organizations, faith groups, service clubs and individual host food drives – often in conjunction with their holiday functions – to collect nonperishable food as well as monetary contributions to fund fresh food. The food pantry is busy during the holidays and these donations go a long way toward providing holiday meals. To host a food drive, call 949-380-8144, ext. 203.

Festival of Trees fundraiser – This event, held December 3 at the Fairmont Hotel in Newport Beach, not only provides a great experience for those attending the event and viewing the trees, but it funds our programs to prevent hunger and homelessness. To purchase tickets to the Silver and Gold Reception and tree auction, visit www.sco-oc.org.

Get involved in South County Outreach holiday programs

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South County Outreach7 Whatney, Suite BIrvine, CA 92618

www. sco-oc.orgPhone: 949-380-8144Fax: 949-380-3788Sign up for email updates online

Facebook: Facebook.com/outreachocTwitter: @outreachocInstagram: @outreachocLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/south-county-outreach

CONNECT WITH US

O.C. Children are at risk ofhunger each month

1 in 5

NonPro� tOrganizationUS Postage

PAIDPermit 55

Santa Ana, CA

Amazing trees are sponsored and decoratedby local businesses and individuals and

auctioned to support our programs.

Please join us in a holiday tradition of hope.

Tree sponsorships and reception reservations available at www.sco-oc.org or by calling 949-380-8144, ext. 210

Reservations are $100; 10 for $900

Silver and Gold Reception& Tree Auction

Thursday, December 3, 2015Benefi tting South County Outreach

of