The Sunset Beach Community Association is holding its First Annual Community Food Drive to support the Waymakers Huntington Beach Youth Shelter in Central Park. The drive, which goes through Dec. 15, helps the shelter, which is a short term intervention “safe haven” for runaway, homeless, abused and at-risk youth from age 11 to 17. You can drop off Food Donations at: Surf Liquor, Mothers Bar and Harry’s Grill, all along Pacific Coast Highway.
“We are so lucky to live here and most of us can afford one can of food from our pantry to help children that are not as fortunate as us,” said Kevin Paulson, Association President. Ever active Dawn McCormack of the Sunset Beach Woman’s Club thought of the food drive project because she used to take food directly to the shelter.
“The shelter has served more than 1,700 youth since we opened the doors in 2006,” said Riley Hartwell, Development & Volunteer Coordinator of Waymakers Huntington Beach Youth Shelter. “We have consistently reunited 90% of the youth with their families and taught them good ways of coping with stress and how to communicate better. We rely heavily on our community donations and support since we have to do all our own fundraising.”
Another way the community can get involved is to sponsor a snowflake for the shelter’s December 8th, “Light a Light of Love.” The event starts with a parade down Main Street, live music and a countdown to the lighting of the snowflakes, which decorate the HB Pier and Main Street. They stay lit until the New Year. For more information, contact the shelter at 714-842-6600.
Plaudits go to Mark Hammad, owner of Surf Liquor, who announced he will match all drive donations at his business.
Senior Pastor Joe Pedick of Calvary Chapel of The Harbour in Sunset Beach encourages the Community to get involved in the food drive because it benefits the people that are most in need.
