A big thanks to our loyal supporters for their commitment and support during these uncertain and difficult times. On April 28th these generous donations were put to excellent use with Project Youth OCBF providing 53 families with bountiful food boxes. Each food box contained nonperishable food, such as pasta, peanut butter, cereal and rice, along with frozen meats and chicken and produce such as, eggs, milk, fruits, vegetables and more. In addition to the food boxes Northgate Market gift cards and essentials like toilet paper and paper towels were included, all designed to feed large families for at least two weeks. The food drive was organized and fast, no long hours spent in waiting lines. Families were told ahead to come between 1-3 pm, drive up and staff and volunteers would load their boxes in their trunks–literally in and out in minutes while following the state and local regulations on social distancing and personal protection.
With schools closed and families unemployed, the need continues. We have seen an increased number of cases of depression and high levels of stress and anxiety in our youth and their families. Parents are worried about their rent, employment, food and basic needs. Most of our students have accepted that they won’t have a graduation ceremony but are worried about their immediate future, internships and summer jobs potentially lost. Our case managers continue to provide emotional support as well as practical every day assistance to help mitigate stressors.
It is through Project Youth OCBF supporters like you that we are providing, and will continue to provide, food and immediate essentials to our youth and their families. Here is how you can help with our food drives. Items needed: peanut butter; jelly; frozen food – chicken – meat – hot dogs; oatmeal; rice; bread; beans; tortillas; canned goods; paper products and cleaning supplies– paper towels – wipes – Kleenex; toilet paper and hygiene items such as hand sanitizer, feminine products, toothpaste, toothbrush, etc.
Our offices are open Monday through Thursday 9:00 am – 4:00 pm to drop off donations or click here to donate funds directly and we will do the shopping.
We are grateful for our partnership with Northgate Markets for their partial matching on gift cards and allowing us to purchase food in bulk and to our Board of Directors for their kind and fast response to our needs and to our volunteers.
Our next Food Drives will be held in May and will provide for over 100 families.
Your donation will make a difference in the lives of our youth and their families and help us to continue our mission to Empower Youth to Make Positive Choices!
Serving together,
Karen Ruan
Executive Director
How You Can Help
Please help PY OCBF meet the increased demand for food assistance amid the COVID-19 crisis by making a financial contribution or by donating food and supplies (peanut butter, jelly, frozen chicken, hot dogs and buns, bread, oatmeal, canned goods, rice, tortillas, pasta, pasta sauce, toilet paper, paper towels, wipes, cleaning supplies, etc.).
To donate food and supplies email Karen Ruan at kruan@pyocbf.org. Your cash donation will be used to purchase grocery gift cards, food and supplies for our families.
“It’s not how much we give but how much love we put into giving.” – Mother Theresa
