OC Rescue Mission Seeks Community’s Help to Provide 22,000 Diapers for Children Living at the Village of Hope

The Orange County Rescue Mission is in critical need of diapers for its record number of 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 22,000 diapers and 32,000 wipes.

“The number of homeless men, women and children in Orange County has continued to rapidly increase over the last several years, resulting in a dramatic increase in the number of children housed at the Rescue Mission,” says Orange County Rescue Mission President Jim Palmer. “In the last year alone, the homeless population in Orange County was estimated at nearly 15,300 people, up from 12,700 people recorded back in 2013.”

Palmer explains that this rapid increase in homelessness has led to the highest population of children at the Village of Hope since its inception, creating a significant shortage in basic necessities such as diapers and wipes.

“We go through approximately 5,500 diapers and 8,000 wipes per month, which can add up very quickly,” says Palmer. “The 22,000 diapers and 32,000 wipes will help to provide enough of these supplies to last for the next four months or to the end of this year. We rely heavily on the generosity of the local community and without their tremendous support we wouldn’t be able to ensure each and every child is afforded this basic necessity.”

Palmer adds, “Our deepest need right now is for diapers in sizes 5 and 6. We receive a significant amount of newborn donations, however it’s the toddler sizes that often get overlooked.”

The Orange County Rescue Mission is accepting individual donations, but also encourages members of the community to organize their own Diaper Drives in hopes of fulfilling this tremendous need.

“We understand that 22,000 diapers and 32,000 wipes is a tall order to fill, yet we’re confident that we can fulfill this need with the help of the local community,” says Palmer. “By coming together to donate or host a variety of Diaper Drives, whether at work, school, church or wherever possible, we can all play a role in ensuring these young children have the basic needs to maintain a healthy, nurtured upbringing.”

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 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.