Members of the Anaheim Hills Auxiliary of the Assistance League Anaheim have had many interesting programs and have supported several local philanthropic projects this club year.
At the January meeting, guest speakers focused on available resources for homeless youth or those in foster care. Cristina Sanchez Keller of Project H.E.R.O., Homeless Education Resources Opportunities, shared some of the daunting and unique challenges both homeless and foster youth face on a daily basis and how this program ensures these students receive the tools and support necessary to succeed in school. It is part of the homeless student assistance program in Anaheim through the Magnolia School District.
Also, Nancy Lewis of Seneca, Family of Agencies, introduced the new Foster Youth Hotline; an invaluable resource for current and former foster youth and their caregivers available to them 24/7 at 833-939-3877. She currently serves as the equine mental health worker for the organization’s Healing on Horseback therapy program at the Anaheim Hills facility.
In February, members welcomed Kinsley Brittain, vice president of program opportunities with My Day Counts, a nonprofit dedicated to helping adults with intellectual disabilities learn skills that enable them to lead productive lives. The organization partners with various local businesses and community partners who offer both learning and integrated work opportunities.
Last month, members helped assemble spring bags at the Haskett Library branch filled with coloring books, crayons, pencils, toys and candy for the children who visit both the Haskett and Ponderosa libraries.
Other philanthropic projects included a sock drive for the Grandma’s House of Hope, which assists children in need throughout Orange County. Members also held a food drive to help supplement the nonprofit’s food pantry.
Networking with members, friends and community organizations and serving the community is part of the Auxiliary’s mission. Membership is open and meetings are held on Zoom at 7:30 p.m. the fourth Tuesday of the month, except July and December. For additional information, visit Facebook.com/AnaheimHillsAuxiliary.
Women’s Connection has May plans
The Anaheim, Orange and Villa Park Women’s Connection have a Mother’s Day celebration planned for its May 9 luncheon at the Black Gold Golf Club. And all women are invited.
A fun and informative program will be presented by Tony Banzuelo who will demonstrate 40 ways to wear a scarf. Vocalist Sheila Nicole will entertain guests and guest speaker Carole Osgrove will share her life story.
Doors open at 10:30 a.m. for shopping with onsite vendors, lunch and program follow at 11:30 a.m. There will be lots of raffles, first-timer gifts, and opportunity drawings.
Cost is $27 per person and those wishing to attend need to call Barbi Zipperian at 714-280-9062 as soon as possible.
Anaheim libraries show foster children support
May is Foster Care Awareness Month and to support it, the Anaheim Public Library is sponsoring a backpack and school supplies drive. Members of the community are encouraged to participate by filling a new backpack with binders, paper, pencils, pens, glue and calculators and bringing them to neighborhood library branches including Canyon Hills Library.
According to city librarian Audrey Lujan, Anaheim is the first library in Orange County to “offer a library card for those 18 and younger living in the foster care system, a group home, temporary living situation, homelessness or those without proof of address.”
Donations will be collected until May 31 and will be given to students at the Orangewood Foundation’s Samueli Academy and to college scholarship recipients. The community can also upgrade their own library card to the “We’re Here For You” design for a donation to also support the Foster Care program. For additional information, contact Canyon Hills Library at 714-765-6444 or visit Anaheim.net/library.
Women’s Club gets spring fashion ideas
Anaheim Hills Women’s Club members have selected a Mother’s Day theme for its May 18 luncheon gathering at the Anaheim Hills Golf Club. All women in the community are invited.
The day gets started at 11 a.m. and will include a spring fashion show by Eileen Gerber.
Cost to attend is $33 and the reservation deadline is today. Contact Karon Kelleher at 714-912-4907 to make a reservation.
Canyon Hills Presbyterian plans Vacation Bible School
The Children’s Ministries of Canyon Hills Presbyterian Church is sponsoring a Vacation Bible School, “Jerusalem Marketplace,” from 9 a.m. to noon on July 11-15, on the church campus.
All kids ages 4 (potty trained) through sixth grade are invited to attend. Registration is currently open.
Kids will embark on a journey “walking” Jesus’ path through Jerusalem that incorporates fun daily activities, games, food, music, and stories with this year’s theme.
Cost to attend is a flat-fee of $25 per family. Teens who would like to earn volunteer hours for school are welcome to help. For additional information and/or registration visit canyonhillspc.org.
Sharon Hlapcich writes about events and happenings in the Anaheim Hills area. Reach her by phone (714-998-4604 or e-mail ([email protected]).