YMCA Backpack Drive collects and provides over 750 backpacks full of supplies to families in need

ORANGE COUNTY, Calif. - Aug. 28, 2015 - PRLog -- August 28^th, 2015, Orange County, CA. The YMCA has a long history of helping families and strengthening communities.

The Annual Backpack drive is aimed at helping hundreds of elementary kids across Orange County and San Gabriel Valley start the school year off with a new backpack full of supplies so they have the essentials needed to learn. Donations were collected at local YMCAs, businesses, and nonprofits July 20^th - August 17^th.

This year, with the help of community partners, the Y surpassed the goal of 600 and collected over 800 backpacks which are currently being distributed to families in need throughout Orange County and San Gabriel Valley. The following community organizations and companies provided tremendous support by collecting backpacks and holding stuffing events where they engaged their employees in this volunteer effort: AES, The Capital Group, MBK Real Estate, Anaheim Ducks Foundation, Bolton Insurance, and South Shores Church in Laguna Niguel.  The following YMCA Corporate Partners hosted drives as well, including Snyder-Langston, OC Water District, Lionakis, Quantum, Schneider Electric & US Real Estate Services.

Each year the drive grows by at least 50%, thanks to the outpouring of support from the community. “It’s amazing to see the support for this initiative grow, and especially the joy on the children’s faces when they receive the school supplies.  The fact that we made a small difference in their lives was a great feeling to have. Without the support of our staff and volunteers and the generous donations from our members and community partners, we wouldn’t have been able to make this happen”, said Jeff McBride, YMCAOC President & CEO.

The YMCA in Orange County has been listening and responding to the communities’ most critical social needs for more than a century. YMCA community service projects like the backpack drive unite us as a community to provide essential support for those in need, and provide volunteer and giving opportunities accessible to all.

To learn more about YMCA service and volunteer opportunities, visit http://www.ymcaoc.org

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ABOUT YMCAOC: At the Y, strengthening community is our cause. With a focus on youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, the Y serves Riverside, Orange County and the San Gabriel Valley through seven (7) Health & Wellness locations (Laguna Niguel, Newport Beach, Mission Viejo, Fullerton, Yorba Linda, Huntington Beach, Santa Ana and Murrieta), numerous community services and youth programs, and over 50 Afterschool Program centers. YMCA programs celebrate and honor common values of respect, responsibility, honesty, and caring by infusing character development into the foundation and practice of all our programs; from youth sports and group exercise classes to parent/child programs and community services– Y programs build healthy spirit, mind, and body for all. The YMCA of Orange County is a nonprofit, charitable organization that serves the entire community. Donations support our scholarship program and Our Promise – To strive to keep programs open for all. Whether you are looking to get fit, give back, or meet new friends, the Y has something for you! JOIN PLAY GIVE VOLUNTEER www.ymcaoc.org