School Supplies Needed for South County Outreach Effort

The nation's economy may be officially out of recession, but its instability and resulting high unemployment rate are keeping South Orange County families in need of assistance. 

Local nonprofit South County Outreach, which runs a food pantry in Lake Forest and transitional housing for homeless families among other services, is nearing the end of a back-to-school drive.

However, the number of donated backpacks filled with school items collected during the past two months is less than half of what it was for last year's drive.

"Families are struggling [during the summer months] because they have to pay for child care so they can keep working," said Gabby Comfort, director of volunteers for South County Outreach.

Some people who used to donate to the pantry during flush times are now showing up at its door, reeling from a sudden layoff or home foreclosure.

Comfort estimated that "maybe 200" backpacks have been collected so far, compared with 500 last year.

"We're very grateful for any donations we get," she added.

On Monday, the school supplies will be distributed to families in need from its Lake Forest community pantry at 26776 Vista Terrace, which opens at 9 a.m.

South Orange County residents can come by and pick up a backpack if they need assistance. No appointment is needed. The distribution is first come, first served.

Interested in donating? South County Outreach is still taking contributions. Look through South County Outreach's list of items needed to support its back-to-school backpack and school supply drive.

For more information, please e-mail gcomfort@sco-oc.org or call 949-80-8144, Ext. 206.