COVID-19 has magnified the disparities that exist within our community while simultaneously showcasing the generosity of our KidWorks supporters. We are simply in awe—but not surprised—by your boundless generosity of time, talent, finances and resources--even as so many you have carried the personal and professional weight of the virus’ devastation worldwide.
There is not enough space here to properly recognize all of you—but please know that you are in our hearts and prayers—and that what you have done for the parents, children and youth we serve has dramatically lessened the burden on them in the areas of finance, education, nutrition, in so many other meaningful ways.
We would like to highlight four examples of such generosity, we often refer to as heroes of hope!
Bracken's Kitchen & Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County
These two non-profit organizations have provided nutritious food and meals in support of our food distribution outreach to KidWorks families in central Santa Ana, many of whom have lost job or faced significant reduction in wages due to COVID-19.
Bracken’s Kitchen, based in Orange County, is a non-profit that recruits professional chefs from Orange County to prepare family-sized meals for other charitable organizations in the community. Their chefs have been providing each of our families with nutritious and tasty meals that can be heated and served for breakfast or dinners.
Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County has been a longtime KidWorks’ partner and supporter, supplying healthy snacks that our students enjoy during our after school academic programs. While our in-person after school programs are on temporary hiatus due to the pandemic, Second Harvest has remained engaged with us, providing boxes of nonperishable food for our families. They also provide a box of fresh produce.
The Murphy Family
The children and grandchildren of Tom Schriber have been inspired by his support of KidWorks and were motivated to become involved with us, too. KidWorks’ Dan Donahue Center is named in honor of Tom’s late business partner, Dan Donahue. After Dan’s untimely passing, the commercial real estate industry raised over $1 million to purchase our current building. Tom remains actively involved with KidWorks. KidWorks continues to greatly benefit from the partnership and support of many original donors.
“Over the years, I’ve seen the impact of my dad’s philanthropic spirit and generosity and I’m grateful to have such an amazing example for our family,” says Tom’s daughter, Tracy Murphy. “My children grew up hearing about KidWorks. When COVID-19 hit and we became aware of the many inequalities that exist for some Orange County families, we wanted to help. We jumped in to participate in the weekly food distribution; it was awesome to have the chance to serve together as a family.”
For decades, Tom and his family have positively impacted KidWorks and the thousands we serve. We are deeply grateful that generations of his family have served generations of KidWorks’ families, too.
Amitoj Singh
Amitoj is a high school student and KidWorks volunteer, who was recognized as our “Volunteer of the Month” in February.
Amitoj was moved to do even more on behalf of our students during COVID-19, so he arranged for his Sikh temple to provide meals for KidWorks’ families.
Amitoj also does virtual tutoring for KidWorks’ students, who are engaged in remote learning while school doors are closed due to the pandemic.
St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, Newport Beach
The financial strain of COVID-19 has made it very hard for many of our families to purchase crucial hygiene-related supplies and products. Some of our parents had to decide between purchasing cereal or soap for their families.
In response to the needs of our families, we are grateful that St. Andrew's—a long time KidWorks friend--partnered with us to provide $5,000 worth of toiletries for our families.
Our families are provided toilet paper, shampoo, soap, toothpaste and other hygiene items that they may not otherwise be able to afford.
In addition to these supporters, countless others have jumped in to help the families we serve. Thanks to this assistance, the positive impact of your help so far includes:
380 families have benefitted from over 160,000 pounds of food, 350 art/activity kits and hygiene kits during our weekly distribution. An additional 75 technology packs have helped to equip college students to continue their studies.
• 330 weekly wellness calls have been made by our staff to our families and students to check on their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. As a result, more than 175 parents/children have been given referrals for additional services/support.
• 107 college counseling sessions on Zoom enabled college students to transition back home and adjust to online learning while high school seniors were supported throughout the stressful college acceptance decision-making process.
• Hundreds of virtual tutoring sessions have helped students with their homework. An additional 23 staff led virtual gatherings have made it possible for students to socialize and connect with their friends at KidWorks.
You have stood with us not only during the COVID-19 pandemic, but also since we first opened our doors in 1993. Your steadfastness inspires and uplifts us. And it does the same for the families we serve. On their behalf and ours, please accept our deepest words and prayers of appreciation.
The need is still great, click the button below to learn how you can walk alongside KidWorks during COVID-19.