Neighbor News
OC Rescue Mission Seeks Community's Help to Provide Gifts for Homeless Families
The Orange County Rescue Mission is in need of over 750 gifts this holiday season for formerly homeless families.
Orange County, Calif. (December 8, 2016) – The Orange County Rescue Mission is in need of over 750 gifts this holiday season for formerly homeless families living at the Village of Hope in Tustin. Donated gifts will be given to men, women and children during the organization’s annual “Magic at the Mission” event, taking place on Saturday, December 17.
“For many of the residents living at the Village of Hope, this will be the first-ever opportunity to give their families gifts for the holidays,” says Orange County Rescue Mission President, Jim Palmer. “This opportunity is a blessing not only for the parents who are finally able to provide their children with a holiday gift, but also for the children who, by giving a gift to their parents, can experience the joy and selflessness of giving.”
During the event, both children and adults will have the opportunity to “shop” through an assortment of gifts and select items to give to their loved ones this year.
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“Our Magic at the Mission event is something that all of our residents, especially the children, look forward to. We currently have the highest population of children living at the Village of Hope than we’ve seen in our history,” Palmer explains. “This season is about giving and bringing joy to others, and with the community’s help we can ensure that every child is able to experience the magic of the holidays.”
The Orange County Rescue Mission’s Magic at the Mission event features a variety of activities for families, including gift “shopping,” an appearance by Santa Claus, holiday games, and even snow.
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“There is nothing quite like Magic at the Mission. Seeing a child’s face light up with joy at the sight of snow, as well as the happiness they experience from both giving and receiving presents for the first time is a reminder of what the holiday season is all about,” says Palmer. “With the community’s help, we will be able to give our residents a joyful holiday experience that they will never forget.”
The Orange County Rescue Mission is asking the community to donate specific items for that can be added to the “gift shop” during Magic at the Mission. Suggested items and quantities needed are listed below:
| Age Group | Number of Items Needed | Suggested Items |
| Infants-Toddlers | 102 | baby items and toys for infants and toddlers |
| 3-5 years | 112 | big crayons, puzzles, board games, books, play sets, blocks, action figures, stuffed animals, trains, cars, dolls |
| 6-8 years | 100 | puzzles, crayons and coloring books, play sets, books, action figures, Nerf balls, stuffed animals, board games, cars, trains, dolls |
| 9-10 years | 106 | art kits, craft kits, Lego sets, play sets, action figures, books, board games, card games, snap together models, stuffed animals, Nerf balls |
| 11-12 years | 91 | art kits, craft kits, Lego sets, books, board games, card games, snap together models, Nerf balls, bracelets, socks, hair accessories |
| Fathers | 54 | wallets, watches, journals, socks, hooded sweatshirts, baseball caps, journals, water bottles, books |
| Mothers | 200 | purses/bags, journals, water bottles, costume jewelry, scarves, scented lotions, socks, make-up (mascara, eye liner, lip balm), hair accessories |
Those who wish to donate may do so at the Orange County Rescue Mission’s Village of Hope, located at 1 Hope Drive in the city of Tustin, California, or contact Taylor Cochrane at 714-247-4303. 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.
