2nd Annual Essentials for Young Lives® Donation Drive Kicks-Off at State Capitol

May 2, 2011 - PRLog -- The 2nd Annual Essentials for Young Lives donation drive kicks-off today at the State Capitol. Baby items will be collected throughout the week and then distributed in honor of the Mother’s Day holiday.  Assemblymembers joined representatives from HomeAid and the First 5/Children and Families Commissions to announce the Capitol drive.

“In these challenging economic times, people are looking for ways to help their neighbors and their community. The Essentials for Young Lives donation drive is the perfect way to help families who are struggling across our state,” state Assemblyman Curt Hagman (R-Chino Hills).  “As a father of two, taking care of my family is always my priority.  By donating items such as a package of baby wipes, we will be helping parents who find themselves in a temporary housing facility with their children.”  

The Essentials program is a joint effort between HomeAid and First 5/Children and Families Commissions to collect “essential” items, such as diapers, baby food and baby hygiene products.  These items are then donated to qualified programs that serve homeless women and children through shelters and transitional facilities.

“I want to thank HomeAid and the First 5 Association for not only their help in building shelter facilities to serve our communities, but for taking the extra step to engage community support for those in need of housing assistance,” said Assemblywoman Cathleen Galgiani (D-Livingston), “Whether it is one jar of baby food, or a box of diapers, every donation will have a positive impact on our children and their families.”

Starting today, visitors and staff in the Capitol can drop off items in specially marked baskets that have been distributed to most legislators’ offices.  The Capitol drive coincides with local donation drives being held this week across the state.