ORANGE COUNTY RESCUE MISSION IN CRITICAL NEED OF MORE THAN 35,000 DIAPERS;
CALLS ON COMMUNITY FOR DONATIONS AND DIAPER DRIVES
Orange County, Calif. (September 12, 2018) – The Orange County Rescue Mission has announced a critical need for size 4, 5, and 6 diapers, boys and girls pull-up diapers of all sizes, and baby wipes for its high number of toddlers and young children living at The Village of Hope, the Rescue Mission’s transitional living facility in Orange County.
The nonprofit is urgently seeking help from the local community to provide a total of 34,700 large-size diapers, 2,500 pull-up diapers, and 121,875 baby wipes according to Jim Palmer, President of the Orange County Rescue Mission.
“While diapers of all sizes are a continuous need at the Rescue Mission, we are currently experiencing a dire lack of pull-up diapers and size 4, 5, and 6 diapers for toddlers and young children,” explains Palmer. “We have received generous community donations of newborn and smaller infant-size diapers, but the ongoing need for larger sizes and pull-up diapers is often underestimated.”
Palmer notes that while a large donation of diapers from HomeAid Orange County has helped alleviate some of the need, the Village of Hope is still facing a critical deficit, due to the sheer volume required on a day-to-day basis.
He explains that a rapid increase in homelessness over the last few years has led to a high number of residents at the Village of Hope, creating a significant shortage in personal items and basic necessities for people of all ages.
“The number of homeless individuals and families in Orange County has continued to grow year after year, resulting in a dramatic increase in the number of children residing at the Rescue Mission,” Palmer continues. “We have nearly 100 children at the Village of Hope, with more than a third of them requiring diapers and using a total of approximately 6,200 diapers and pull-up diapers per month, and our goal is to fulfill this need through the remainder of the year.”
In addition to accepting individual donations, Palmer also encourages members of the community to coordinate their own Diaper Drives – through their workplaces, churches, and social organizations – as a means of fulfilling this urgent need.
“While collecting 34,700 diapers, 2,500 pull-up diapers, and 121,875 baby wipes is a formidable task, we know we have the extraordinary, sustained support of our local community – which will ensure that each and every child at the Village of Hope is provided with this basic need required to maintain their health and comfort,” says Palmer. “We’ve experienced tremendous generosity and strength in numbers time and time again, and know that this time is no different.”
Those who wish to donate or host a Diaper Drive may drop off donations at the Orange County Rescue Mission’s Village of Hope located at 1 Hope Drive in Tustin, California, or contact Ashley Binder at 714.247.4343.
The donation warehouse is open between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday.
About the Orange County Rescue Mission
The Orange County and Inland Empire Rescue Missions are part of a privately funded non-profit organization that uses Biblical principles in its programs such as relationships, finance, and parenting. The Rescue Mission’s innovative facilities and programs provide food assistance and shelter in addition to counseling, education, job training, mental wellness, life skills training, and medical services to provide a solid foundation for the transition to a self-sufficient life. Its programs and dedication to going above and beyond have earned the organization numerous recognitions including Charity Navigator’s highest rating of 4-Stars. To make a donation or inquire about volunteer opportunities with the Rescue Mission, please contact (714) 247-4320 or visit www.rescuemission.org.
