Irvine Ranch Water District Makes it Easy to Give

Dec. 8, 2011 - PRLog -- Customers May Donate at the Sand Canyon Office

The season of giving is upon us and Irvine Ranch Water District is once again supporting local charities. In addition, customers are offered the opportunity to give to the least fortunate. Collection barrels are located in the lobby of the Sand Canyon office for the Second Harvest Food Bank and the Orangewood Children’s Foundation and forms are available for United Way donations.

“This is an easy way for the community to give to these local organizations, which help others,” said IRWD coordinator Kris Thomson. “Customers can come in and drop off items right in our lobby. A few cans or boxes of food can really make a difference.”

This is the fourth year IRWD has supported the Second Harvest Food Bank and the Orangewood Children’s Foundation, but the 23rd year for supporting United Way.

The Second Harvest Food Bank began providing food to Orange County residents in need in 1983. Since then, it has provided more than 272 million pounds of donated and surplus supplies to local charities. It is currently estimated that 615,000 county residents are at risk of going to bed hungry some time during the month.

The most needed items are:

Food – canned meats and fish, beef stew, chili, pasta, macaroni and cheese, rice, beans, canned fruits and vegetables, canned juices, soups hot and cold cereals and peanut butter.

Personal care items - diapers, toothpaste and toothbrushes, deodorant, toilet tissue, razors, cotton swabs, soap, bandages, combs and brushes and feminine hygiene items.

Collections for the Second Harvest Food Bank will continue through December 31.

Orangewood Children’s Foundation began in 1981 to raise funds for the construction of the Orangewood Children and Family Center. The center is the county’s emergency shelter for abused and neglected children. Often, children will arrive in the middle of the night with just their clothes on their backs.

IRWD is collecting new, unwrapped and age appropriate (from infant to 18 years of age) toys, clothes and toiletries. The facility asks that no stuffed animals be donated as it has a surplus of these items. Donations will be accepted through December 15.

Anyone interested in making a one-time donation to United Way of Orange County may drop by the IRWD Human Resources offices to pick up a form.

Donations are accepted during regular business hours of 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Thursday or 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday.

For more information, please visit these websites: Second Harvest Food Bank,  Orangewood Children’s Foundation, and United Way of Orange County. More information about IRWD may be found at www.irwd.com.