Call for Gift Donations: Illumination Foundation to Host Holiday Carnivals for Homeless Children

Nov. 26, 2013 - PRLog -- The Illumination Foundation (http://www.ifhomeless.org), a local nonprofit working to break the cycle of homelessness in Orange County, is hosting its 4^th Annual Holiday Carnival this Dec. 14 and 15. The two-day carnival provides holiday games, crafts, pony rides, food, and other activities for homeless and at-risk families in Orange County’s low-income neighborhoods in Anaheim and Stanton. The parent-exclusive toy room tent is a major highlight of Illumination Foundation’s Holiday Carnival. The enclosed tent is filled with donations of new, unwrapped toys for young children and gift cards for teens. Adults in attendance have the opportunity to choose gifts for their children at no cost and volunteer elves wrap the gifts for them to take home and surprise their children.

While shopping for loved ones this Black Friday and throughout the holiday season, Orange County residents are asked to make a donation or purchase a gift for the thousands of less fortunate homeless families in this county. No donation is too small, all gift donations must be new and unwrapped. Toys of all costs and sizes are welcomed for young children, and gift cards are recommended for teens. Gift donations may be dropped off at The Illumination Foundation headquarters, located at 2691 Richter Ave, Suite 107, Irvine, CA 92606 by Friday, Dec. 13.

“The holidays are a particularly tough time for the families and children we serve,” said Paul Leon, founder, Illumination Foundation. “We’re asking the community to come together and support these kids. By providing parents the opportunity to participate in the holidays with their children, we’re empowering and motivating them to experience life beyond homelessness.”

Numerous volunteer groups donate time for this annual event to serve food, oversee craft booths, and monitor games and activities. Illumination Foundation is looking for additional volunteers to help with gift wrapping and event set-up on Dec. 14 and 15. The Illumination Foundation also has opportunities available for groups and individuals to sponsor or underwrite the event. To join PIMCO Foundation as an underwriter for the event, or to learn more about sponsorship and volunteer opportunities, contact Sheryl Overman at soverman@ifhomeless.org.

About The Illumination Foundation

The Illumination Foundation is an Orange County-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to providing targeted, interdisciplinary services for the most vulnerable homeless clients to break or prevent the cycle of homelessness. The Illumination Foundation pioneered an innovative and cost-effective solution to advance health and housing stability for the chronically homeless community. To date, the Illumination Foundation has provided housing services to 1,440 families, administered medical services to 9,226 patients, imparted workforce development and job readiness training to 837 adults, provided childhood enrichment services to 1,355 children, and treated and assisted 1,532 recuperative care clients. For more information, visit www.ifhomeless.org.