Updates: ‘Orange County’


Google Searching for Service

Jun
2013
14

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GCHope was happy to host a team of volunteer from Google this past Wednesday.  As the We’ve Got Your Back school year comes to an end, these volunteers helped us close out our final regular distribution before we begin our summer distribution protocols.  Thank you so much for your great service!

Is there a GCHope Google Doodle in our future?

We’ve Got Your Back Says Thank You

Jun
2013
13

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For the second year, Giving Children Hope (GCHope) and Nutrilite sponsored a “thank you” luncheon for all the individuals involved in making the We’ve Got Your Back (WGYB) program a success throughout the school year.

On Thursday, May 30, coordinators and principals from schools on the WGYB program, local city officials, and other honored guests came to Nutrilite for the second annual “We’ve Got Your Back Thank You Luncheon.” Nutrilite sponsored and hosted the event.

The 2012-2013 school year was the sixth year of the WGYB program. WGYB serves 47 schools in 13 school districts and 13 cities. By sending out 1,546 backpacks a week, 6,184 people are served with 11 ½ tons of food each and every week. This year, WGYB increased the amount of fresh fruit and vegetables distributed. Thanks to a partnership with Loaves and Fishes x10, fresh produce is harvested on Saturdays by GCHope staff and volunteers, and is distributed the following week.

George Esquivel of Esquivel Shoes was the special guest speaker. Esquivel was named as one of Vogue’s most influential designers and is currently working on a collaboration with Tommy Hilfiger for his fall line. Some of his clients include Bruno Mars, Carmelo Anthony, Dwyane Wade, Gwen Stefani, LeBron James, and many more.

Esquivel shared stories of his childhood growing up as a “motel kid” in Orange County, as well as what motivates and inspires him as a designer and business owner. He went to 12 different schools throughout Orange County as a child, including some in Buena Park. Although his father was drug addict and drug dealer, his mom was a continual positive influence on him and his siblings. “She told us to work hard, focus on God, and things will get better,” he shared. “These kids just need a lot of hugs, support, and a lot of love.”

When asked how he was inspired to move past his situation growing up, he stated, “I don’t think there was a moment where the light turned on…it was that constant reinforcement from an adult.” He attributed a lot of his success to teachers who gave him that encouragement growing up, and encouraged the teachers in attendance to be honest yet supportive with the children in their schools. “If they can see love from you guys, they will see what love is,” he encouraged the audience. “Remember to be patient with these kids; it’s not their fault.”

GCHope staff chose several coordinators to receive special awards for going above and beyond the call of duty. Gina Schlichting of Beatty Elementary in Buena Park; Dawn Manzanilla of Gilbert Elementary in Buena Park; Susan Swinfard of Melrose Elementary in Placentia; Barbara Rodriguez of Patrick Henry Elementary in Anaheim; and Lori Cervantes of Sierra Prep Academy in Santa Ana were honored for their commitment to the success of the program and for going the extra mile to make the program work for their kids. Jerry LeBlanc, GCHope driver, says, “These are the women that stand out. They have the biggest hearts and strive for excellence.”

Anneliese School Serving their Peers

Jun
2013
06

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Thanks so much to the student body and faculty at Anneliese School down in Laguna Beach. This week 50 students came to the GCHope warehouse to help pack backpacks and sort our food supply for other students here in Orange County.  It is so encouraging to see these students serving their peers in the community who are affected by homelessness and poverty.  Check out some these pictures to see these amazing kids in action!

Allied PRA

May
2013
16

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The women of Allied PRA were able to donate some time this week on the hottest day of the year so far!  The did a fantastic job helping with our backpack program, packing backpacks and sorting food supply.  During their time with us, they prepared backpacks for twelve of our schools, serving over 1,000 children in Orange County who would otherwise be without nutritional foods.  We are very grateful for their service!

Wienerschnitzel “Day of Hope”

May
2013
09

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On Saturday, May 18, Wienerschnitzel in Buena Park is hosting a “Day of Hope” benefiting Giving Children Hope.

Guests who bring in canned food items between 9 am and 10 pm will receive raffle tickets for prizes. In addition, 20% of all purchases made with the attached flyer will go directly to GCHope.

Don’t miss out on this great opportunity to support GCHope and the We’ve Got Your Back program! We’ll see you there!

 Weinerschnitzel Flyer

OC Cares Benefit Celebration

May
2013
08

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Join us for this amazing event on Sunday, May 26th.

Purchase Tickets

Bank of America Bringing Health to Kids in Crisis!

Apr
2013
25

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A very big GCHope “Thank You” to the team members from Bank of America who were able volunteer in our We’ve Got Your Back program yesterday.  Over 65 volunteers were able to pack over 750 backpacks for Orange County Children in need.  We always appreciate teams like theirs where we have to work to keep them busy.  We are looking forward to seeing you all again in October or hopefully even sooner!

SD Deacon serving children in OC

Apr
2013
09

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A big thank you to our friends over at SD Deacon.  They have comes several times now to help out with tour We’ve Got Your Back program and they are always a pleasure to have.  This time, not only did they work on filling the backpacks for our kids, but also put together school supply packages for them.  It is so wonderful to have friends and organizations throughout the SoCal area that are ready to step up and serve these children each and every week.  Check out these pictures of SD Deacon in action!

The Moms of Calvary Strike Back!

Apr
2013
04

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Back in November, we were privileged to have a group of Moms come with their little ones from Calvary Church in Santa Ana to volunteer in our We’ve Got Your Back Program.  This week, we had an entirely new group of Moms do the same thing.  I can’t tell you have beautiful it is to see little toddlers giving up their time to serve other children in our own community who don’t always have enough to eat.  Thanks Calvary for having some of the best Moms around!!

New Partners find Giving Children Hope on Google

Mar
2012
27

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Kimley-Horn and Associates, inc. is based in Orange and is one of the top design consulting firms in the country. With hopes of reaching out to the homeless in the community, the association conducted a food drive in March. However, without a beneficiary to partner with, Kimley-Horn consulted Google. As one of the most reputable organizations in the area, the firm contacted Giving Children Hope (GCH) and subsequently donated one-thousand pounds of food for distribution to the homeless in Orange County. The rice, canned chicken and tuna, and various other foodstuffs were given to GCH’s We’ve Got Your Back program.

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