SUMMER 2021 NEWSLETTER Dear SCO Friends and Supporters, This past summer, our organization is thankful to have received continued interest and support in our mission of ending hunger and housing hope throughout Orange County. From food drives to in-kind donations, to those spreading the word about South County Outreach, we thank you each for your generosity. As we look ahead to fall, marking National Hunger Awareness month, South County Outreach hopes to collect, distribute, and provide food to even more families and individuals to commemorate this important month. With so many of our community members struggling to resume everyday life due to the long-lasting effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, our services are needed more than ever before. Before we know it, the holiday season will be upon us, which can be a stressful time regardless of one’s circumstance. That said, we are hoping you will join us in leaving a positive impact on the lives of those who need it most – whether that is by volunteering to host a food drive, donating kitchen essentials to our Food Market, or making a monetary donation. With the help of volunteers and supporters like you, South County Outreach can continue to provide the necessary resources families and individuals need. We hope you will consider getting involved in order to help those struggling with food or housing insecurity receive with a warm meal and place to call home. Best Regards,
LaVal Brewer President & Chief Executive Officer
WISH LIST South County Outreach envisions a community where no one goes to bed hungry or without a place to call home. You can make an impact on the lives of the individuals and families that SCO serves by donating any of the most needed items from our wish list below.
BBQ Sauce Canned Tuna Canned Fruit Canned Pasta Canned Tomatoes Oatmeal
Canned Pasta Sauce Dinner Helpers (Pasta-Roni, Rice-a-Roni)
Peanut Butter
Jelly Ketchup Mayonnaise Mustard
Cooking Oils
Rice & Beans
(Corn, Vegetable, Olive)
Reusable Grocery Bags Salad Dressings Salsa Storage Space Cleaning and Sanitation Supplies (New mops, mop buckets, Lysol or Clorox, paper towels, etc.)
(1-2 lb. bags)
If you are able to donate any of these items, please send us an email at sco@sco-oc.org or give us a call at 949.380.8144.
Q&A WITH BUNNI ICKES How did you first become involved with SCO? Since I was ten years old, my family has been heavily involved in nonprofit volunteering. In my previous career as a realtor, I was exposed to the many areas of Orange County and wanted to find an organization that gives to those in my community. I began volunteering at South County Outreach, eventually joined the Board, and 16 years ago, I started managing Upscale Resale.
What do you enjoy most about working for SCO? I really enjoy being able to actually see the difference South County Outreach is making in the Orange County community. It’s common to hear stories of individuals and families finally being able to move out of cars, put a roof over their head, and provide themselves with new opportunities. It is incredibly inspiring to hear the pride these individuals have now that they are finally able to afford a down payment or once they receive a job offer due to the help of South County Outreach.
What makes Upscale Resale stand out from other thrift stores? Unlike other organizations or thrift stores, 93 cents of every dollar Upscale Resale collects goes directly into funding South County Outreach’s programs. Many second-hand stores with similar missions use their dollars on advertising, but we fully believe in keeping the money to support South County Outreach clients.
Can you share any inspiring stories from your time at Upscale Resale? When the thrift store first opened, a young lady came in to find new clothes for a job interview after being out of the workforce for 15 years. As we talked throughout the shopping experience, she shared her hardships with me. We were able to find her the perfect outfit at a price she was able to afford, and she was so overcome with gratitude that a place like Upscale Resale existed. It felt great to be able to provide her with the clothes she needed to step into that job interview with confidence. A week later, she came back to the thrift store, proud as can be – she got the job! She was extremely grateful for South County Outreach’s help and even offered to pay for the clothes with her new paycheck (we of course declined and were just happy to help!). Please visit https://www.sco-oc.org/get-involved/upscale-resale/ to learn more about making a difference through donating, shopping, or volunteering at Upscale Resale.
LOOKING AHEAD THE NEXT STEPS IN HELPING OUR COMMUNITY South County Outreach has seen firsthand how the pandemic has drastically impacted the lives of the Orange County community. As we approach the end of 2021 and prepare for the next year, our mission to combat food insecurity and homelessness and provide for those who are in need has only grown stronger.
IN MARCH 2021, 1 IN
9 ORANGE COUNTY WORKERS LOST THEIR JOBS and more than tripled unemployment within the country.
The loss of 14.9% of Orange County Jobs in 2020 has resulted in financial hardship leading to food insecurity and loss of housing for families and individuals. While many people are resuming normal activities throughout the United States, many are still struggling to catch up on bills, keep groceries on the table and a roof over their head.
EACH YEAR South County Outreach distributes over
700,000 lbs
200 households with rental and utility assistance, and provides over 6,000 Orange County
of food, helps over
residents with fresh and nonperishable food items monthly.
As we look forward,
our goal is to reach even more Orange County residents in need of our services. Thanks to our supporters and donors, South County Outreach has been able to expand to more families and individuals through our services funded by you! To make a donation to help families and individuals struggling with hardship now more than ever, please visit:
https://www.sco-oc.org/donate/
or if you are interested in hosting a food drive, please visit
https://www.sco-oc.org/get-involved/feed-our-community/
B AC K PAC K D R I V E & D O N AT I O N S As Orange County students prepared to head back to school this season, South County Outreach wanted to ensure that those in need had the necessary supplies for the upcoming school year. For many students, this will be their first time stepping foot into a classroom or school following the COVID-19 shutdown last year. In addition to an already challenging year, many children and teens do not have access to purchase new school materials. THIS SUMMER, THANKS TO THE SUPPORT OF GENEROUS DONORS, SOUTH COUNTY OUTREACH COLLECTED OVER 1,000 BACKPACKS FILLED WITH SCHOOL SUPPLIES FOR YOUTH, ALONG WITH $4,000 IN DONATIONS. Over 50 volunteers collected, sorted, and prepped the backpacks for distribution to help our students step confidently into the school year. South County Outreach would like to extend thanks to our partners for this event: Abiding Savior Lutheran Church; Corpus Christi Catholic Church, General Counsel West, Kiwanis Club of Mission Viejo; Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP; One Source Industries; Rebuild SoCal Partnerships; Western Digital.
If you’re interested in hosting your own drive, or donating to South County Outreach clients in need, please visit https://www.sco-oc.org/get-involved/feed-our-community/.
South County Outreach 7 Whatney, Suite B, Irvine, CA 92618 www.sco-oc.org | 949.380.8144 Food Market 7 Whatney, Suite B, Irvine, CA 92618 Phone: 949.380.8144, ext. 207 Hours: Monday-Thursday 9am to 2pm | Friday 9am to 11am Upscale Resale Thrift Store 23461 Ridge Route #D, Laguna Hills, CA 92653 Phone: 949.855.4158 Hours: Monday-Friday 11am-5pm | Saturday 10am-4pm | Sunday 10am-3pm Homeless Prevention 7 Whatney, Suite B, Irvine, CA 92618 Phone: 949.381.1583 Hours: Monday-Friday 8am to 5pm Link to application: www.sco-oc.org/get-help/homeless-prevention/
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