Casa Youth Shelter in Los Alamitos hosted an Open House event and estate sale fundraiser as part of the shelter’s 34th anniversary on Saturday, April 28.
During the day-long celebration visitors were able to tour the facility and shop in the outdoor sale, with proceeds benefiting the shelter.
Many of the shelter’s board members were on hand, including Los Alamitos Mayor Troy Edgar, who addressed the gathering and spoke of the many years of service the shelter has provided to youths in need.
Edgar noted the many volunteers who give time and money each year to support the shelter. He explained how his involvement came about as he was invited to attend an event or fundraiser and then became more and more involved over time.
“It only hurts in the beginning,” Edgar said of getting pulled in to volunteer.
“After that you’re addicted,” Edgar said.
The shelter opened in 1978 on a shoestring budget and the dream of Myldred Jones, a retired Navy lieutenant commander.
At the time the shelter had just one paid employee and since then it is estimated that more than 10,000 youths in need of shelter or assistance have been helped by the facility. It is because of those numbers that so much effort is put into keeping the shelter viable, Executive Director Luciann Maulhardt said. She said there are always needs at the shelter.
Also recognized during the presentation was Board member Kenny Brandyberry, with Valentino’s Pizza in Los Alamitos. Valentinos has offered Pizza Mondays during April with 100 percent of the proceeds from $10 extra large pizzas going towards the shelter. According to Maulhardt, in the first four Mondays of April, the program had already raised more than $8,000 for the shelter.
The shelter not only provides youths a place to stay, but has grown to offer a variety of services, such as counseling for a wide range of issues and educational assistance. For information about Casa Youth Shelter call (562) 594-6825 or visit www.casayouthshelter.org.
