Stanbridge Students Help OC Homeless Kids Celebrate Back to School

In August, Stanbridge College REACH partnered once again with the Illumination Foundation, a non-profit organization with a mission to break the cycle of homelessness for families, to help hundreds of children and their families prepare for back to school at the Carnival for Kids. Over 60 Stanbridge College students volunteered at the event helping set up activities, checking-in volunteers, operating carnival rides, serving food, and managing kid’s craft booths, games, and inflatables. The event raised ample funds to purchase donations of school supplies for homeless families in Orange County.

“Having the opportunity to help the children have such an exciting experience was absolutely worth all of the hard work and effort that went into setting the event up,” stated Tiffany Coles, Stanbridge College Occupational Therapy Assistant student.

Volunteers helped out at the craft tents with face painting, glitter tattoo, and other activities including a petting zoo, pony rides, ring toss, spoon frog, and ‘Minute to Win it” contests.

Ashley Krebs, Volunteer Coordinator for Illumination Foundation affirmed “This was truly a thrilling day for low-income children and families. It is always such a joy to see students taking time to encourage and inspire these young people.”

This is the second time Stanbridge College REACH has worked with Illumination Foundation. Last October, the Irvine-based vocational college, collected and donated over 80 Halloween costumes to give to children. Stanbridge College REACH has also worked with partners including Project Hope School, Lighthouse Ministries, and Free Pantry Organization to help feed and support homeless and low-income families in need.

For more photos of the event, please visit the Stanbridge College Facebook page at:     www.facebook.com/stanbridgecollege.

Continue to REACH

The Illumination Foundation is a non-profit organization that provides integrated services to  the homeless and needy in Orange County. Through its housing, healthcare and outreach services, IF has supported 598 families, 899 adults and 542 children since its establishment in 2008. To learn more about IF, please visit: http://www.ifhomeless.org.