The Orange County Rescue Mission is asking the public for donations for the youngest family members it helps.
The nonprofit said this week that it “urgently needs” more diapers and baby essentials to replenish its inventory. The supplies are provided daily at its facilities serving homeless families.
The Rescue Mission is requesting:
— Diapers: sizes 4, 5, and 6 (the greatest need is for size 6)
— Pull-up diapers: all sizes (especially 2T/3T and 4T/5T)
— Baby wipes
“Diapers and wipes are not only necessities, they are lifelines for parents working to rebuild their lives,” said Bryan Crain, president of the Rescue Mission. “For families who come to us in crisis, providing these basic items allows them to focus on healing, employment, and long-term housing stability.”
The number of homeless people in Orange County rose 28% between 2022-24, according to the latest “point in time count” results released by county officials in May 2024. The county’s United to End Homelessness survey says there are 7,322 people living without a home in Orange County. Of that count, 3,149 were in an emergency shelter or transitional shelter and 4,173 were unsheltered.
Donations can be dropped off at the organization’s Village of Hope at 1 Hope Drive in Tustin. Donations also can be ordered online and delivered to the same address. The donation warehouse is open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
For more information, go to rescuemission.org/items. Send questions via email to volunteers@rescuemission.org.