The holidays are a time of reflection that can inspire us to reach out to those in need. If you’re interested in spending some time this season giving back to our local community, here are a few organizations that do great work in the Orange County area.
Together We Rise
Together We Rise aims to improve the lives of children in foster care, who are often forgotten and neglected. Their programs provide a way for people who are not foster parents to have a meaningful and effective way to help children in foster care. They collaborate with individuals, companies, and community partners to bring resources to foster youth and use service-learning activities to educate volunteers on issues surrounding the foster care system.
Orangewood Children and Family Center
Orangewood is a 24-hour emergency shelter care facility operated by the county for children who have been abused, abandoned, and/or neglected. Volunteers work year-round to provide diverse enrichment activities and special events for the children and youth at the shelter. The link above goes to a holiday wish list of items for infants through teenagers that includes everything from toys and games to clothing and personal care.
Families Forward
Families Forward is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping local Orange County families who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. One of the fastest growing segments of the homeless population is working families with children struggling to make ends meet. More than 28,000 school-age children are homeless or housing-insecure. Donations to Families Forward contribute to their food pantry, and help families find a stable home and raise their children in a safe environment.
Spirit of Sharing
Spirit of Sharing is dedicated to helping military families in Southern California who need assistance during the holiday season. S.O.S. has traditionally focused on military families with children and puts a special emphasis on military families that have been, or are being, deployed abroad. These families sacrifice so much for all of us throughout the year, and that burden becomes even more significant when either one or both parents must leave their family to go into harm’s way. It is a great honor and privilege to participate in making these families’ season and lives a little brighter and warmer throughout the year.
We wish you all the best in your charitable endeavors this holiday season. Happy Holidays from Innovative Career Resources!