Christmas In July At Orange County Rescue Mission: Can You Help?

ORANGE COUNTY, CA — Feed the world, let them know it's Christmas time...in July. Orange County's Rescue Mission continues to care for the county's homeless population amid the coronavirus pandemic. This week, Orange County Rescue Mission announced a vital need for individual care items for the homeless men, women and children residing at its transitional living facilities.

The nonprofit organization asks for donations in baby diapers, personal hygiene items and canned foods, which are essential to the families in their care. Orange County Rescue Mission staff will share the donations at the Rescue Mission’s “Christmas in July” event on Friday, July 30.

The annual event provides resident families with a second chance at a holiday celebration and a reminder to the community that donations are needed year-round. And though diapers, personal care items and canned food may not seem like the best Christmas gifts to you, to those at the Mission, they are life-changing, as Jim Palmer, President of Orange County Rescue Mission, explains.

The Christmas in July event aids in keeping spirits high and reminding residents that their futures can be bright. It also serves as a call for critical donations that contribute to residents' success and combatting hunger in the community.

Donations at the Rescue Mission are critically low, officials say.

“Donations decreased drastically throughout the pandemic,” says Palmer. “We had significant shortages in personal hygiene items, diapers and other canned food goods. We are working tirelessly to ensure our residents have these necessities and to accommodate the growing number of homeless throughout Orange County.”

What's more, many resident families impacted by homelessness were unable to celebrate the holidays or were estranged from family members during those times, explains Palmer.

“The annual celebration provides a beacon of hope to residents and an opportunity to reconnect with others from the community," Palmer said. "Last year, in particular, was extremely difficult as we weathered COVID-19 and lockdowns, resulting in many families not being able to celebrate together.”

With the Chili Van Outreach program, the Rescue Mission utilizes canned food donations such as fruits and vegetables, meat, beans, and tomato sauce for food boxes, distributed to families in need throughout the community.

“Without the immense support of the community, we would not be able to provide these meals and continuously change lives for homeless individuals and families in need,” Palmer notes.

This year, the Rescue Mission is in urgent need of the following items to help sustain it through the rest of the year:

• Diapers (especially in sizes 5 and 6)
• Pull-Ups (sizes 3 and 4)
• Canned fruits and vegetables
• Canned protein
• Canned beans
• Canned tomatoes
• Personal hygiene items (shampoo, conditioner, soap, and toothpaste)

“Our ability to maintain a variety of basic hygiene items and canned foods on hand allows us to provide for and create a strong, positive impact on homeless veterans, families with children, and at-risk youth," Palmer says. "This ability is dependent on the generosity and support from the local community. We are so appreciative of this continued support and the community coming together to help fill this critical need for our resident families.”

Where to Donate:

Anyone can drop off donations at the Rescue Mission’s Village of Hope at the address below throughout the end of the month. Items can also be ordered online and delivered directly to Orange County Rescue Mission, 1 Hope Drive, Tustin, CA 92782.

For questions and updates regarding current urgent needs or to inquire about hosting a Christmas in July booth, please call (714) 247-4343 or email ashley.binder@rescuemission.org.