Backpacks, school supplies and gift cards can be dropped off at locations in Ladera Ranch, Lake Forest, Mission Viejo, Rancho Santa Margarita, and Huntington Beach
LADERA RANCH, Calif., July 31, 2012 – For the third year in a row, Laura’s House, a non-profit organization whose mission is to change the social beliefs, attitudes and behaviors that perpetuate domestic violence, while creating a safe space in which to empower individuals and families affected by abuse, is asking for the community’s help in supporting a Back-to-School Drive, collecting backpacks, school supplies and gift cards for residents of its shelter and their children.
“The ‘back-to-school’ season can be a very stressful time for families affected by domestic violence, especially when it comes to purchasing school supplies and other essentials,” said Margaret Bayston, CEO and Executive Director, Laura’s House. “Because a child’s self esteem heading into the school year is largely dependent on their ability to return to school with new school supplies, backpacks and other items, Laura’s House is again asking for the community’s help in providing the children and families we serve with a fresh start for the coming academic year.”
The “Back-to-School” drive will take place August 1 through August 31, 2012. Laura’s House is accepting gift cards and other back- to-school essentials, for specific wish list items please visit our website, www.laurashouse.org. Donations can be dropped off at the following locations:
Ladera Ranch
Toy Town 25632 Crown Valley Parkway, #B5 Ladera Ranch, CA 92694
Hours: Monday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; and, Sunday 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Lake Forest
Laura’s House Resale Store 23635 El Toro Rd., Ste. F Lake Forest, CA 92630
Hours: Monday through Friday, 10am to 5pm; Saturday, 10am to 2pm
Pump-it-Up 26242 Dimension Drive, #100 Lake Forest, CA 92630
Hours: Monday, 10am to 6pm; Tuesday, 10am to 8pm; Wednesday and Thursday, 10am to 6:30pm; Friday through Sunday, 10am to 7pm.
Mission Viejo
YogaWorks 27001 La Paz Road #206 Mission Viejo, CA 92691
Hours: Monday through Sunday, 9am to 6pm
Rancho Santa Margarita
OC Martial Arts 29818 Santa Margarita Parkway Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688
Hours: Monday through Thursday, 5pm to 9pm; Saturday, 9am to 1pm
Huntington Beach
DCW & Associates Investigations 7400 Center Avenue, Suite 209 Huntington Beach, CA 92647
Hours: Monday through Saturday, 8am to 4pm (Please call in advance)
“In addition to school supplies, we are also requesting gift cards to Target, Staples, Office Depot, CVS, Walgreens and other local merchants, which help our clients retain their dignity by allowing them to choose and purchase the items that their children will need most as they return to school this Fall,” continued Bayston.
More information on the back-to-school drive can be found at www.laurashouse.org/events or by calling (949) 361-3775.
About the Laura’s House Resale Store Since 1995, Laura’s House has maintained a thrift store to support the funding of our programs and services. In 2009, the store moved from San Clemente to Lake Forest and opened a larger, more centrally located upscale, resale boutique. The Laura’s House Resale Store is open on Monday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.; Wednesday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; and, Sunday from Noon to 5:00 p.m.
The Laura’s House Resale Store accepts donations including gently used designer, formal, business and casual clothing and shoes for women, children and men, jewelry, paintings, collectibles and books. Donors should be aware that Laura’s House cannot accept items that are torn or stained, large furniture and appliances, mattresses, box springs and undergarments, and that city law prohibits leaving items at the rear or front of the store outside of normal business hours. All donations are tax deductible and a receipt will be provided upon drop-off. Donation drop-off hours are Monday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
The Laura’s House Resale Store can be reached by phone at 949-472-8800.
About Laura’s House Over the past eighteen years, Laura’s House has provided residential shelter and support services to nearly 3,500 families, and counseling, life skills education and legal assistance to over 40,000 individuals. The mission of Laura’s House is to change the social beliefs, attitudes and the behaviors that perpetuate domestic violence while creating a safe space in which to empower individuals and families affected by abuse.
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