LAKE FOREST : United Way Expo Will Be Held Today

For those in need of help, or those who simply want to help, United Way of Orange County’s South Region will be “lending a hand in hard times” today at its first Community Expo ’93.

About 30 agencies funded by United Way, such as the Boy and Girl Scouts, Olive Crest and the American Red Cross, will be participating in the event. It is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at El Toro High School, 25255 Toledo Way.

United Way officials say they targeted South County for the expo to help the young and growing cities of Lake Forest, Laguna Hills and Mission Viejo create awareness about the health and social service needs in the area.

“There is need; there are also places to turn when you are in need,” said Susan Jones of United Way. “The communities are so new, people don’t know where to turn for help.”

In addition to the three cities, the event is being offered in partnership with the Orange County Sheriff’s Department and the Saddleback Valley Unified School District.

A guide that lists resources in South County and offers money-saving tips will be available free of charge to all who attend.

“This is an effort to pull everyone together and have a fun day,” said Lake Forest Councilwoman Helen Wilson, who is chairing the event. “We will show the need and where to go, and where people can help out too.”

Admission to the event, which is expected to draw at least 3,000 people, is free.

The agencies participating in the expo will offer a variety of carnival-like games for children and adults, including a putting green, fishing for prizes, a milk-bottle toss and the creation of a community mural.

More than a dozen Saddleback Valley restaurants will be cooking up foods, including pancakes, braised beef, mostaccioli and traditional Brazilian grilled meats. Tickets for the food will range from 50 cents to $3.

There will also be entertainment throughout the day, including puppet shows, magic acts and music from country-Western singer Russ Stewart.

Proceeds from the carnival and food booths will be split evenly among the participating agencies.