Around Town: Second Harvest Food Bank launches free summer food program for kids impacted by COVID-19

The Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County kicked off its summer food service program at 26 sites across the county to distribute food to all children, who are ages 18 and younger. No eligibility documentation is required.

The program provides access to lunches and snacks for children at risk of hunger while schools are out of session for the summer and while schools are closed because of COVID-19. It will be offering morning and afternoon snacks and lunches, including chicken wraps, fruit, milk, and turkey sandwiches, among other foods.

The program is intended for children from families that struggle financially, especially in the midst of a health and economic crisis, with distributions at sites that are near schools with at least 50% or more of students who receive a free or reduced lunch.

Distribution sites can be found at feedoc.org/get-help, or call 211 or text 898211 for hours of distribution.

Online fundraiser for O.C. disability support, services

On July 16, several Orange County nonprofits will host the third annual Empowering Possibilities, a 24-hour online effort to raise crucial funds in support of county neighbors living with disabilities.

The seven participating organizations — Project Independence, Blind Children’s Learning Center of OC, Down Syndrome Association of OC, Family Support Network, Hope Center for the Arts, Special Olympics Southern California and Vocational Visions — hope to raise $70,000 throughout the annual day of giving.

This year’s effort is especially important, as nonprofits throughout Orange County have had to cancel in-person events and services during the coronavirus pandemic. In response, nonprofits have had to find creative ways to serve their clients and stay engaged virtually.

“In the midst of the pandemic’s impact on Orange County residents, we continue to be in awe of our community’s generosity toward the nonprofits serving our must vulnerable residents,” said Shelley Hoss, president and chief executive of the Orange County Community Foundation.

“Especially now, with an increased need for services, we are proud to unite nonprofits with similar missions as they work to support of our community members with disabilities,” Hoss added.

To give online, please visit empowering-possibilities-giving-day.ocnonprofitcentral.org. Additional collaborative giving days will be announced throughout the coming year. For more information, please visit oc-cf.org/iheartoc.

Bolsa Chica Conservancy launching youth leadership program

The Bolsa Chica Conservancy in Huntington Beach will be launching a youth leadership program later this month, with orientation from July 27-30.

The Youth Leadership in Environmental Action Program (YLEAP) is a 12-month program for students in eighth through 12th grade. The program provides local youth the opportunity to learn about wetland ecology and gain life skills like public speaking, leadership, teamwork and habitat restoration.

The program schedule is for 30 hours of service over the 12-month period, which runs from August 2020 to July 2021. A donation of $280 per student is required.

Orientation will be held July 27-30 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the conservancy, located at 3842 Warner Ave. in Huntington Beach.

For more information, contact Jeannette Bush at jeannette@bolsachica.org or (714) 846-1114.

Mesa Water District leaders invite residents to participate in online chat

Throughout the month of July, the Mesa Water District Board of Directors are encouraging residents to ask questions about Mesa Water operations, water supply, ongoing water use efficiency efforts or other topics of interest.

Residents can submit questions through mesawater.org/neighborhoodchat through July 31. Questions and responses will be reviewed and answered at the site and shared on social media accounts in August. Please note, similar questions and themes will be addressed by single responses.

Mesa Water Board President Shawn Dewane said the district is committed to transparency and customer service, even when members of the public cannot participate in in-person events throughout the coronavirus pandemic.

“During these unprecedented times, it more important than ever that Mesa Water’s leadership be available to address the public’s questions and concerns,” Dewane said in a statement. “We encourage all residents and businesses in our service area to reach out with any questions or concerns throughout the month of July.”

To learn more about the board, visit mesawater.org/leadership/board.

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